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•^i^AlTHFUL^i FRIENDS,! 

PS b^5 

SensoLttoTLoZ JDrajnci, 

IN 

FOUR ACTS. 

3-; 



&><r<^— 



BY 

CHARLES WARREN. 



SHlNGTO^ 



INDEPENDENCE, IOWA. 

Bulletin Job Printing House. 

1890. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

MISS FLORENCE ESTABROOK, a Southern rose. 

MRS. ESTABROOK, mild and g-entle. 

AUNT DINAH, 

MOTHER CAREY, one who has suffered. 

LITTLE MANDA, ' 

A. LITTLE SHORT, amateur detective and auctioneer, 

HIRAM ESTABROOK, one of tne old stock. 

UNCLE JEFF, faithful and true. 

DADDY CAREY, a bird ot prey. 

RASTUS, just doinu; nothing^. 

ROYCE GARDNER, a man of schemes, 

FRANK WOODRUFF, hisjjal, 

Negroes. Guests. Speculators. Moonshiners &c. 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year Eighteen Hundred and Ninety, 

By KOBERT W. FRYEK, 

Tn the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



TMP92-007541 






FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 



ACT I. 

Scene i. — Exterior of southern plantation homestead. Set house with 
steps going tip L. Gate. Picket fence running across stage in ^. 
Garden set of furniture. Set trees if practicable. 

CHORUS FOR RISE OF CURTAIN. 

Dere will be no mournful parting, 
Dere be no sisters sighing, 
When we once get on the golden shore. 

All will be gladly singing, 
Music will be merry ringing. 

When we once get on de golden shore; 
No money care and sorrow, 

And no grief we'll eyer borrow, 
When once we get on de golden shore. 

Den wait with patience in your heart. 

Wait, Wait, 
And never let your courage depart, 

Wait, Wait, 
For ebery colored sinner. 

Will have preserve tor his dinner, 
W'hen we once get on de golden shore. 

Enter Hiram Estabrook /;-<?;« house -stands on steps. 

ESTA. Here, what is all this noise about? Rastus! Rastus! 
Just like that lazy, stupid nigger — never about when he's wanted 
and always in the way when he's not. Rastus, I say! Well, when I 
catch him I'll have his black hide tanned until he cries for mercy. 
Ah! here is what I was in search of; the New Orleans paper. {Takes 
the paper and sits down.) To-day 1 have a task before me that 1 
dislike exceedingly, but it must be done. I must be firm, determin- 
ed; my brief experience on the cotton market, at New Orleans, has 
cut a pretty hole in m}' bank account, and to make good my losses I 
must dispose of some of the younger niggers. They're lying around 
here in droves and they would never be missed. {Noise outside.) 
What's that.? {Rises, goes and looks ofF R.) Why, it's that rascally 
Rastus — as usual turnsng up when he's not wanted. 

Rastus. {Outside.) Go on yo' fool niggers— nigger, nigger 
yo'se'f. Don't you go pesterin' 'round me yo' h'ar, or dar is gwine be 
a black funeral and sum ob you niggers won't hear de singin'; sum ob 



4 FAITHFUL FRiEXDS. 

yo' ride in de fust kart. {Backs into Estabrook.) Golly, if 'tain't mas- 
sa — 'scuse me massa, I dun didn't notice you in my pertubation. 

ESTA. So you've come at last. What have you been doing? 
"Jess doin' nufifin," doing nothing, have you, you lazy nigger? 

RasTUS. 'Scuse me massa, I ain't dun gwine be lazy — but I'se 
not bery foolish to work. 

ESTA. Do vou knovv what I think of doing with you, vou scoun- 
drel? 

RaSTUS. Ain't got de least wise recomembrance, massa. 

ESTA. I think I'll give you a good whipping. 

RastUS. 'Tain't no use. massa, you'se dun whoop me more'n 
fifty times and I'se more fool dan eber. 

ESTA. Well, then I'll sell you. 

RasTUS. Please doan sell me, massa; nobody gwine buy me — 
fool nigger doan know nufifin. Dem smart niggers dey got sold, dey 
hab to work too, cause dey got sense —I'se foolish — doan keer, I'se 
glad on it. 

ESTA. None of your impudence now; get about your work. 

RaSTUS. Yes sah; I'se bery busy jess now, I'se 'bassador. 

ESTA. A what? Explain yourself, you scoundrel. 

RasTUS. a 'bassador, sah — a fellow what comes to a fellow 
from 'nudder fellow who doan know de fellow what he' comin' to 
from 'nudder fellow. Dat's what business I'se in. 

ESTA. What do you mean by this nonsense? 

Rastus. Couldn't done 'splain mo' massa. Uncle Jeff he done 
wants to speak to you 'ticklar and he asked me to ask you ef he 
mout speak to you. 

ESTA. Uncle Jeff; what can he want? Some complaint- -these 
niggers never know when they're well off 

Rastus. Dem niggers what's got sense dun gwine grumblin' 
more'n all de foolish niggers in de worl'. 

Esta. I suppose I must see him; where is he? 

Rastus, He's waitin' jest at de door, massa. 

ESTA. Tell him to come here— be brief. 

Rastus. I'se gwine tell him massa. Ain't I de foolish nigger. 

{Exit R. 2 E. 

Esta. Now what can this man want with me? If it isn't one 
annoyance it's another, and yet people cite the southern planter as 
the happiest man in the world. 

Rastus enters R. 2 E., followed by UNCLE jEFF. 
Rastus. {Aside to Jeff.) Dar is massa. Don't be skeered; he 
make a mighty fuss and scold heap but he's good to nigger. Jess go 
ind sed sumfin to him. {Goes up stage.) 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 



Jeff. {Cojuing down and bozvi tig- to ^?>T\V,K00K, hat in hand.) 
If yo' please, mossa. 

ESTA. Well, what is it, Jeff? Come, be quick about it, I've no 
time to waste. 

Jefp. If yo' please sah, me and my ol' woman down at de cabin, 
heer'd you was gwine to sell some of de hands, and de oberseer done 
sed dat our little Manda was gwine to be sold and gwine down de 
riber. 

EsTA. Yes. Jeff, that's true Is that all.? 

Jeff. All, mossa, yes sah, dat's all. All my ol' woman's pleas- 
ure in life. Dat chile is all de one we got, and I done come to ask 
yo' mossa, please not take her away from us. She's only six years 
old, mossa,; she can't do much and won't bring a heap, but if yo' send 
her away it'll mighty nigh break ol' woman's heart and mine. 

ESTA. You must not bother me with such talk. The niggers 
must be sold and she among them. She's young and in a few weeks 
you'll not miss her. 

Jeff. Not miss her, mossa; den mossa, we'd never miss de sun 
if it was to be forever behind de clouds; we'd never miss de singin' of 
dem birds in de magnolia, nor de flowers in de woods and fields. 

ESTA. Enough of such sentiment. It's useless - the child must 
go. My losses have been severe of late and I cannot afford to have 
this crowd of young niggers about, eating me out of house and home. 

Jeff. But, oh, please mossa, spare our Manda to us. Think if 
some one took good Missy Florence from you! 

ESTA. You black scoundrel, how dare ycu compare your child 
"to mine — your little black brat to the heiress of this estate. 

Jeff. 'Scuse me mossa for sa}'in' sumfin wrong, but we lubs our 
Manda de same as yo' lub good Missy Florence. Our skins are 
black but we got feelins, mossa; our hearts may not be black, mossa. 

ESTA. You have said too much. Go back to your cabin; the 
child must be sold and this very day. If I had had a desire lo let 
her stay, you have spoiled your chance by your sentimental whining. 
Be off" I say. 

Jeff. But mossa, jus' think — 

ESTA. No, I say, and if I hear you grumbling and whining 
among the other niggers, you'll not only lose your brat, but you'll 
get fifty lashes besides on your bare hide. Now go; I will hear no 
more whining from you. 

Jeff. Yes, mossa. 'Scuse me for beggin' for my chile, {turn- 
ing aside.) May de good Lord in Heaben neber cause him sich mis- 
ery as dis is to me. {Exit, R. 2 E. 

ESTA. That nigger wants a good whipping. The idea of his 



6 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

daring to compare his love for his brat with mine for Florence, my 
heart's idol — my only child and daughter. It's nearly time for her 
to be at homp. Rastus! Where is that damned nigger? Rastus! 

RaSTUS. {Comes from house eating a piece of pie. ^ Golly, dis 
good pie, bes' I'be had dis whole year. Did yo' call me Massa Esta- 
brook.'* 

ESTA. Did I call.'' Yes, I yelled. Don't you know enough to 
be within call.'' Where were you and what were you doing out to 
the barn.'' 

Rastus. Jus' doin' nuffin'. 

ESTA. Just doing nothing as usual, eh.^ 

Rastus. {Aside.) I don't know nuffiin' — I'se foolish. 

ESTA. What time did Miss Florence go for her ride.^ 

Rastus. 'Bout an hour ago, massa, and golly, how she did go 
down de lane on dat new horse you bought her- and ef you'd see'd 
de way dat ar dog Frank keep right at dat horse's heels, and neber 
min' nobody callin' him, you'd a dest laff'd. I'se done laff'd myse'f 
all day. {Aside.) I ain't got no sense, I'se foolish. 

ESTA. When she returns tell her I expect a number of people 
here to-day, as I am going to auction off some of the negroes. Tell 
her to see that everything necessary for their entertainment is ready. 
I am going down to the quarters to look over the surplus— you un- 
derstand.? {Exit, L. 2 E. 

Rastus. Yes sah, massa, cose I un'stand. {Aside.) lie tinks 
caze I'se no sense, I kaint hear. Golly, but massa is riled dis morn- 
ing. He's gwine have sumbody here 'n when dey come den is de 
time dis'yer chile sneaks inter de house 'n fills hisse'f full of cakes 
and pies and all sich trimmins. Golly, den I'll sleep and sleep, and 
when massa calls I'se gwine say. "Rastus doan heah yo' He's done 
takin' good slumber. Fast asleep I is." {Lies down stage centre., 
snoring.) 

Short, {heard ont side.) Ah, this is the way. All right sir- 
much obliged — see you again, {rushes in R. 3 E; stumbles over RAS- 
TUS, who rises to hands and knees.) Ah, what's this; a brilliant spe- 
cimen of the overworked negro of fiction. Arise Senegambian, I 
would fain communicate with thee. Ah, I see what you are going 
to ask, who am I.'' "Who is you.?" Exactly, I'll tell you my name. 
A. Short, a northern gentleman cruizing in Southern society; auc- 
tioneer by profession, but with a soul that yearns for greater things. 
Ah yes, it yearns, it yearns, it yearns. 

Rastus. Look heah, massa man, ef you's gwine to hab de col- 
ic cramps, yo' bettah go right straight in de house to ol' missus 'n git 
sumfin. 

Short. You mistake emotion for cramps; very natural. 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 



RasTUS. Don't know nuffin 'bout no 'motion. I ain't got no 
sense, I'sc foolish. 

Short. Sable philosopher, let me grasp your digit. I have 
seen hundreds of men in j'our exact mental condition, but you are 
the first to come out like a man and acknowledge the corn. But 
tell me, is this the house of Mr. Hiram Estabrook.'* 

Rastus. You done guess dat de fust time. Dis am de place ob 
Mistah Hi'um Estabrook. jess sho as yer bo'n, dat's what it is. 

Short. And you, I take it, are one of his niggers.'' 

Rastus. No sah, nobody nigger but de debil. I'se black stain- 
ed gemman, I is, dat's me. 

Short. Where is your master.' 

Rastus. He's done gone down to de quarters. He's 'spectin' 
sumbody and he tole me fo' to tell Miss Florence — well, I 'clar to 
goodness ef I ain't fo'got dat what massa tole me for to tell Miss 
Florence — what was dat..'' 

Short. Florence — who is she, his sister.-' 

Rastus. Go on, mistah. Sistah nuffin— she's his only da'teh, 
and massa and missus tink dar is but one person on de top ob dis'yer 
ground, and dat's Miss Florence. She mighty gay; yo' h'ar me, she is. 

Short. This grows interesting; what is she like, Sambo.-* 

Rastus. Doan go make maulk my name. I ain't no Samo — I'se 
Rastus, I is, what's foolish. 

Short. All right Sambo, I'll call you Rastus. What is this 
young lady like.'' 

Rastus. I couldn't tol' you sah. She's like honey and possum, 
sweet 'taters and fire-crackers all togeder I 'spec — I'se talkin'; yo' 
h'ar me.-* 

Short. And where is she now.' 

Rastus. She's habin' her mo'nin' ride. De sun neber git bery 
hicrh To dat lady is on her hoss and her dog at de boss's heels, flyin' 
f'om one place t'oder like de win' — no ruff wind, kase she allers good. 

Short. Well, I will see this prodigy. Tell Mr. Estabrook that 
the gentleman whom he sent for to sell off his extra slaves awaits 
him. Fly Sambo. 

Rastus. All right sah, Rastus is flyin' Don't know no Sambo; 
Sambo soun'sifies like lazy, but Rastus— Rastus is jess breakin' his 
back a flyin'. {Exit very slowly into house during this speech.) 

Short, {looking after him.) Rastus, your wings are not mates; 
he is slow, just like the country. It's in the air. This job promises 
to be interesting. Old man in difficulties, probably, as he wants to 
sell off some of his slaves — pretty daughter; spoiled child without 
a doubt, with lovers by the score. This ought to be just in my way. 



8 FAITHFUL FRJEXDS. 

Now if there is only some mystery to clear up, some diabolical plot 
to thwart — {enter Rastus from steps, just to hear the last zvords.) oh 
how I would revel in a murder! 

Rastus. Oh Lord! dat man bad; I'se gwine lebe. [Exit I,. 2 E.. 
very much frightened.) 

Short, {turning about quickly.) Why, what's the matter.^ (looks 
toward steps and sees MRS. ESTABROOK, who has entered — aside.) 
Ah, the fair creature's mother, no doubt. 

Mrs. Esta. You will pardon my servant sir; he is a little ec- 
centric at times. 

Short. Oh yes, he confided his troubles to me a moment since. 
{touching his head significantly.) Foolish, perhaps. This is } 

Mrs. Esta. Mrs. Estabrook. 

Short. Allow me to introduce myself — A. Short, auctioneer, 
here at the request of your husband, professionally. 

Mrs. Esta. An auctioneer here! Why, I have heard nothing 
of an auction here. 

Short. Do not speak of an auctioneer in such an appalling- 
manner. It is my profession through poverty, not inclination. Did 
I follow the beat ot my own desires, I'd seek the counterfeiter in his 
lair, and I would wade in lashings of sfurcrlincr eore. 

Mrs. Esta. I don t understand you. 

Short You do not grasp my meaning; to bidders I would say, 
bid me good-bye and go, and I would devote my life to the glorious 
cause of justice. I would have a secret star in my inside pocket, and 
I'd detect everything from a brutal murder to a piece of cheese. You 
don't happen to have a mystery you want unravelled, a mysterious 
murder you want looked up.'' 

Mts. Esta. Sir! 

Short. Just my luck; I'll have to stick to my old business, auc- 
tioneering; going, going, gone, 

Mrs. Esta I am sorry we cannot oblige you in your desires, 
Mr. Short, but here comes Mr. Estabrook with one of our neighbors; 
he can doubtless give you information regarding your business here. 
So, for the present, I wish you a good morning. (Exit into house. 

Short. Good morning, {lifts hat politely.) Cool and bracing 
but here comes my man; now to ascertain what he wishes me to 
knock down, professionally speaking. He seems in animated conver- 
.sation with his companion. What if they should be talking of a hid- 
den crime. I'll do it! Secreted behind this tree I will listen to their 
words, and it may prove a daring robbery at the very least. 

{Hides behind tree. 
Enter Estabrook and Gardner. 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 9 

ESTA. (as Jie enters. It is useless to press your suit farther with 
me, Mr. Gardner. Mrs. Estabrook and myself are, as you are aware, 
bound up in our only daughter, and when she leaves us it must be to 
marry some one whom she truly loves and who will make her a good 
husband. 

Gardner. But Mr. Estabrook, I hardly think I am distasteful to 
Miss F"lorence. I deemed it my duty, however, to sptak first to you. 

ESTA. I appreciate that; but I have fully determined not to lead 
her choice in any way. If she loves you and her mother and myself 
are satisfied, she will be yours. I can only say. go win if )-ou can. 

Gardner. Thanks for that assurance, Mr. Estabrook. You will 
pardon me, but I have learned from reliable sources that you have 
become temporarily embarrassed. Now you know my income is am- 
ple, and should you use your influence with Miss Florence, any re- 
quest of yours would be granted. 

EsTA. Excuse me Mr. Gardner, you have been misinformed. 
Hiram Estabrook makes no obligations that he cannot meet, and in 
any case my daughter's hand is not for sale. Good morning. 

{Exit into house. 

Short, {head appearing- from behind tree.) Cool and bracing — 
this is very interesting. 

Gardner, {looking after ^.^TABROOK.) That's like these shabby 
genteel gentlemen, poor and proud. But pride goeth before a fall, 
and that girl will yet be my wife. She is just the sort of girl I like — 
courageous as a lion, spiteful as a wolf and as cunning as a wild cat. . 
Just the sort of woman a man of my disposition likes to tame, and 
ben.d to do his bidding. My bluff to assist him does not go. It was 
a bold one for me, for had he accepted I should have been at a loss to 
know how to have helped him. I am up to iny ears in debt, and my 
creditors are already making my life miserable. This difficulty of Es- 
tabrook's is only temporary; could I but win his daughter's hand, her 
marriage portion would save me from ruin, and at the old man's death 
I would come into this estate. Whatever obstacle arises in my path, 
she must and shall be mine. {Exit R. I E. 

Short, {coming from behind tree.) I know it is contrary to the 
rules of etiquette to be an eaves-dropper, but this certainly looks in- 
teresting. Poor father, charming daughter, and suitor not any too 
strong with the aged parent. Oh, I may strike a case here after all; 
but there's no mystery, it's open as the day. nothing to detect —just 
my luck. Cool and bracing. 

ESTA. {heard zvithin.) You say he is in the garden. I will find 
him. {Enters from house.) 

Short, {approaching him?) Mr. Estabrook, I believe.'' 

ESTA. Yes; and you - Mr. Short.^ 



10 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

Short A. Little Short, a Northern cruiser in Southern waters; 
auctioneer at present, but with aspirations. Ah, I need say no more, 
I was informed by Mr. Glenny of Glencoe that you desired my pro- 
fessional services this morning, so I rode over. 

ESTA. Yes, Mr. Short; I am glad to see you. You have been 
highly recommended. 

Short. Pleased sir; highly delighted. Now what am I to have 
the pleasure of knocking down, or rather selling, this morning.' 

ESTA. I wish to sell a number of my young negroes. I dislike 
the task more than I can say, as there has not been a slave sold on 
this plantation for years. Now, however it becomes necessarw 

Short. I understand, sir. Bad crops, heavy expenses, profits 
on wrong side of the ledger &c. &c. &c. 

ESTA. No, you are mistaken. I cannot blame nature; she has 
been more than kind. Crops have been good and the plantation has 
been more than ordinarily successful; I have only to blame myself. 
I was led into a speculation and risked more than I could safely do, 
without endangering the estate. The affair was unfortunate and I 
lost heavily. As security I gave my note for three thousand dollars. 
This note has fallen into the hands of the brokers and it must be 
promptly met or action will be commenced against me at once. I 
have delayed in the matter for some time, but now I find that my 
only resource is the young negroes. Therefore they must be sold 
and at once. 

Short. Excuse me Mr. Estabrook; our short acquaintance 
hardly warrants my presumption, bnt I have dabbled in law a bit 
myself, and might be of service to you. Have you a memorandum 
of the note with you.' 

ESTA. {takes out pocket-book.) Yes, here; I took it from my 
safe this morning, but did not examine it closely. 

' Short, {takes memorandum.) Ah, yes, $3,000. Why, my dear 
sir, this note must be met within three days, and payment must be 
made at New Orleans. You have delayed in this matter until it is 
nearly too late. 

ESTA. It must be met. otherwise it would be my lasting dis- 
grace, and I could never hold up my head again. 

Short. Then you must act speedily. We are two days from 
New Orleans by boat, and the last mail packet leaves Roscoe at nine 
to-night. You must take action at once. 

EsTA. I will; but hush, not a word to my wife; here she comes. 
Enter Mrs. EsTABROOK//-^;« house. 
My dear, I have just been talking business with Mr. Short, and have 
prevailed upon him to remain and dine with us. 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 1 1 

Mrs Esta. I am glad to hear it. Ah, our neighbor, Mr. Gard- 
ner is returning. I sec. 

Enter GARDNER. L. I E. 
Gardner. I am pleased to greet you, gentlemen 
ESTA. Mr. Gardner, Mr. Short. This gentleman has driven 
over from Glencoe to manage my sale to-day. I trust you will re- 
main. 

Gardner, {to Short. Pleased to know you, sir. Been in this 
country long.'' 

Short. No; just cruising about in search of bids. 

Gardner. From the north, eh.^ 

Short. Yes, from the land of blizzards and snow storms, and 
keenly alive to the beauties of the south. 

EsTA. {going np stage.) Where's that boy Rastus? 

Mrs. Esta. He was here a moment ago. I reckon he has gone 
to look for Florence. He is almost as watchful of her as her dog 
Frank is. 

Short. Your daughter is fond of outdoor life it seems, Mr. 
Estabrook.'' 

EsTA. Yes, she lives in the open air. swims like a duck, shoots 
like a Nimrod and is the best horsewoman for twenty miles around. 
{sliouts and cheers outside.) What's that.-' Ah! if you don't believe 
it look at her on her homeward ride. Sits in the saddle like a caval- 
ryman. She's perfect mistress of the rein. 

^\\}'i\Q,.— Shouts as Florence enters folloived by RastuS and ne- 
groes. Gardner rushes to help her dismount, hut she Jumps doxvn 
before he gets to her side. 

Flor. No, thanks, Mr. Gardner, I have been taught to help 
myself {stands up stage centre patting horse' s head.) Oh, papa. I've 
had such a ride, up hill and down dale, scurrying through the brush 
and Tony leaping over fences. I can never thank you enough for 
this good; kind horse. He is all spirit and fire, yet under rein as do- 
cile as a lamb, What a temper he had! He tried to show it, but 
when he found that mine was equal to his he gracefully yielded, and 
now we are the best of friends. Arn't we dear old fellow.'' {caresses 
horse. — dog comes up to her.) And I must not forget my other friend, 
faithful Frank, {pats the dog.) What a time we have had. Frank 
running like mad in his attempt to race with Tony. Oh, you beauty, 
come and kiss me. I do think a deal of him; I know he does of me 
as well. He and Tony are great friends; we are all friends, faithful 
friends. 

Short, {aside.) Oh, that dog don't know his luck. 

ESTA. Florence, my child, your enthusiasm has caused you to 
forget our guests. Mr. Short, my daughter, Miss Florence. 



12 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

Short. Charmed, delighted, Miss Estabrook to greet one of 
nature's beauties. It is a delightful experience to meet a natural 
woman, after the affectations of modern society. 

FloR. You are very kind. Of society I know very little. 
There are few young folks about here, and my society, aside from 
my dear papa and mamma, is my horse and dog. 

Gardner. You enjoy your rides, Miss Florence.-' 

FlOR. Indeed I do. What can be grander than the cool, bra- 
cing air of a spring morning, and a ride on the back of a noble horse, 
over a road fragrant with budding magnolias; the air sweet with the 
song of birds, and the company of a noble animal who seems to know 
your very thoughts, and changes his pace in accordance with them. 
{Frank, the dog goes toward GARDNER, ivho strikes h\m a light blotu 
with his cane. Frank grotv/s and barks.) Don't strike him, Mr. 
Gardner, please. No one ever whips my dog. 

Gardner. Dogs and niggers must be whipped to make them 
obey. 

Flor. Then your experience, I am compelled to say, must 
have been with curs. 

Short, (aside.) Cool and bracing, again. 

ESTA. Gardner is right about niggers. They are alwa3's an- 
noying, lazy, good for nothing and object to being sold. Jeff^ this 
morning, annoyed me because I am going to sell his child, Manda. 

Gardner. You allow too many privileges, Mr. Estabrook. 
Those black rascals have no feeling; its animal cunning. They want 
sympathy —those negro mothers care more for a pipe of tobacco 
than they do for a child. Once out of sight, out of mind with them. 

Short, {to Florence.) Your dog — Frank you call him — seems 
to be very intelligent, <tnd, 1 dare say, thinks a great deal of you. 

FlOR. Intelligent! He can do anything but talk, and he loves 
me devotedly. Indeed yes, I believe all that a poor animal is capa- 
ble of. Just see what I have taught him to do. {ties horse to post in 
C, comes down stage and sits on rustic bench or chair.) Frank, bring 
me my horse, {dog goes and unties horse and leads him t? his mistress.) 
Good dog {caressing him.) Now lead him to RaSTUS. {Frank obeys.) 
Come here. Frank; Aunt Dinah, bring me my jacket from the hall. 
{Aunt Dinah brings jacket /ro?n house.) Now I will show you what 
an expert pickpocket Frank is; but don't be alarmed. He will not 
take anything unless he is bidden, or that does not belong to him. 
{hangs tip jacket and places envelope in pocket.) Now, Frank get me 
my letter, {dog goes to jacket and brings the envelope.) See, isn't 
he a good one. {caressing dog.) It surely pays to spend a little time 
educating a noble animal. 

ESTA. That is enough now. Florence, Mrs. Estabrook, will 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 13 

you see that lunch is prepared at once. Come, gentlemen, I will 
sliow you the negroes in question, and after lunch the sale will begin 
at once. I think we may as well have it here. 

Flor. {to Mrs. Esta.) Sale! What does he mean, mamma.? 

Mrs. Esta. {aside.) Hush child, it is some business transaction 
of your father's. 

Esta. This way, gentlemen, {leads the way up stage, folloived 
by Short. Gardner lingers behind^) 

Mrs. Esta. {going toward house.) Come, Florence, you must 
change your dress and decoraate the table for luncheon, 

{Exit into house, 

Flor. What sale.-' I have never heard of this before. A sale. 
What can it mean.-* 

Gardner, {coming down to her.) I will tell you, Miss Florence. 

Flor. Mr. Gardner, you here.'' 

Gardner. Yes; I left your father and his friends on a trivial 
pretext, that I might return and have a few moments conversation 
with you. 

Flor. What can you have to say to me.-* 

Gardner. Something that concerns the happiness of mv future 
life. Miss Florence, as you know, I am a bachelor tolerably well cir- 
cumstanced. Life to me is very lonely withal; I never had a thought 
of marriage until your fresh young beauty impressed me. Then all 
powerful love crept into my life and I knew that I could never be 
liappy unless you became my wife. 

Flor Mr. Gardner, you astonish me. I really do not under- 
stand such language. 

Gardner. I have proceeded in the regular way. I asked your 
father's permission this morning, and he said his consent depended 
entirely upon your answer. Now tell me, Miss Florence, will you fill 
my heart with the greatest joy man can experience, and promise to 
become my wife. 

Fl,OR. I am sorry, Mr. Gardner, but I cannot. 

Gardner. Think it over —don't hurry. Give me your answer 
later. 

Flor. No delay is necessar\'. I must give you my final refusal 



Gardner. But give me some reason. Are your affections else- 
where engaged.' Do you dislike me.' 

Flor. You ask me and I will answer candidly. I do not like 
you. Any man who speaks slightingly of a parent's love for his child 
or abuses a dear, good faithful dog, can never be numbered among 
my friends. 



14 FAITHFUL FKIENDS. 

Gardner. Am I to understand that because I spoke of the 
whip for niggers and dogs, and slightly struck your dog, I am there- 
fore to lose your friendship? 

Flor. You will not lose it, because you never had it. I tell 
you plainly, Mr. Gardner, I do not like you, I never did and I never 
will. Good morning, (goes toward house.) 

Flor. One moment, Miss Florence; it is evident you do not 
know what love is. 

Flor. Oh, yes I do, I have read its definition in books; 

"What is love, if ihou wouklst be taught, 

Thy heart should teach alone; 
Two souls vviih but a single thought, 

Two hearts that beat as one." 

Gardner. Do not mock me. You have refused my love — have 
you ever heard of tender love suddenly changing to deadly hatred. 
You renounce me as a friend; beware of me as an eneiny. Your fa- 
ther is in difficulties; his honor is at stake and should his obligations 
not be met, the haughty, reserved Hiram Estabrook will be the ob- 
ject at which the finger of scorn will be pointed, I was ready to 
assist him, but your rejection of my proposal convinces me that my 
sympathy is entirely misplaced. 

Flor. It is misplaced, Mr. Gardner. Whatever trouble my fa- 
ther is in, I am sure he would accept no assistance from you. He 
would sooner bend his pride to the dust — would sooner beg from 
door to door than have his daughter marry such a man as I think 
you are. 

Gardner. You are excited. Miss Estabrook. I will leave you 
and rejoin your father. Remember what you have decided. We are 
enemies. It is to be war to the knife. Good morning. 

{Exit through gate, raising his hat. 

Flor. Oh! how I would like to scratch out his eyes. Ah! if I 
was onl}' a man, I would pitch into him and take as much comfort 
in hitting him as he did in striking my poor dog. But what does it 
all mean — papa in trouble, a sale to take place; what can be the mat- 
ter.? 

Enter AUNT DiNAH from house. 

Aunt Dinah. Oh Missy Flo'nce, don't let dcm take her from 
me, sabe my little chile. Missy do — oh, ol' Dinah's heart '11 done 
break, {falls on knees, beseechingly.) 

Flor. {taking her hand.) Why, Aunt Dinah, what's the matter.-* 
Tell me. 

Aunt Dinah. Matter, missy; ain't you done heerd dat all de 
chillen as kaint work gwine to be sol' to-day and sent down de riber, 
and 'mong dein dey's gwine sell my little gal, Mundy. My little ba- 
by, dat I neber tought mossa would sell from me. Lose dat baby, 
oh, Dinah sho'ly die. 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 15 

Flor. Going to sell your Manda? Impossible! Why, Uncle 
Jeff and you have been my father's most faithful servants and I am 
sure that he will never do such a cruel thing as to take your baby 
from you. 

Aunt Dinah. Speak to him, missy. Pray to him to spar' my 
my little chile, and I will bress yo' to de longest day ob dis poo' ol' 
Dinah's life. 

Flor. I will, aunt Dinah. Now go back to the kitchen and I 
will see my father, and persuade and do all I can with him not to sell 
Manda. Dry your eyes and keep up a good heart; all will be well, 
we must hope. 

Aunt Dinah. T'ank you missy. Lo'd bress yo' pretty face 
and keep yo' from all harm. De Lo'd bress yo'— Dinah always know 
yo' got a kind heart. {Exit into house, 

Flor. Poor old woman. It would indeed a blow to them to 
part with the little one whom they have made their hearts' idol No, 
they must not take the little child; the}' shall not sell her. For that 
I'll be bound, if it is in my power to save her. 

Mrs. ESTA. {fromzvithin.) Florence! Florence! 

Flor. There's mother calling. I forgot what she told me- 
Yes, mamma, I am coming. 

Enter Mrs. Estabrook on steps. 

Mrs. Esta. Florence, child, why do you not come to decorate 
the table.'* The gentlemen are coming and you are still in your ri- 
ding habit. 

Flor. Excuse me this time, that's a dear good mother. I have 
been very much occupied here — but here are papa's friends. I will 
tell you about it at another time. 

Enter ESTABROOK, SHORT and GARDNER. 

Short, {as he enters.) And a very comfortable place you have, 
Mr. Estabrook. It is little wonder that you are envied by half the 
country around. A productive plantation, everything in good repair 
and really a surplus of negroes. You are indeed to be envied. 

ESTA. Providence has indeed been kind to me, Mr, Short, yet 
life on a prosperous plantation is not all serenity, I suppose. 

Gardnnr. No, we can never tell. Outside appearances are of- 
ten deceptive. Like a woman's pretty face, they are sometimes the 
mask for an ungrateful heart. 

Short. Ah, I must differ with you, Mr. Gardner. There must 
be no slurring allusions to the sex that all should love, honor and 
cherish, especially when we have two such charming representatives 
present. 

Flor. Mr. Gardner is evidently a cynic regarding we poor wo- 



16 FAITHFUL KRlEM)J^. 

men. Cynicism and disppointment generally go together. 

Mrs. Esta Florence, don't be rude. Mr. Estabrook, the lun- 
cheon is served, and if you will show the gentlemen in — 

ESTA. Certainly, my dear. Mr. Gardner, Mr. Short, just follow 
my wife. We will have a drop of brandy, a bit of something to eat 
and will then proceed with the sale. 

Mrs. ESTA. {as she enters the house.) This way, gentlemen. 

Short. With pleasure, Mrs. Estabrook. [Exit into house. 

Gardner, {as he reaches door.) I hope we will have the pleas- 
ure of your society. Miss Florence. 

Flor. In just a moment — I have a word to saj to father. 

Gardner. We will await you with impatience. {Exit in house 

ESTA. You wish to speak with me, Florence. 

Flor. Yes, papa, I wish to ask of }'ou above all, one favor. 

ESTA. Will not another time do, as well, my daughter- go in 
and get dressed. I suppose some new trinket has caught your eye. 
Well, we'll see about it; but now I must entertain our guests. You 
know there is nothing in reason that I would refuse my daughter. 

Flor. Do you really mean that, papa. 

ESTA. Certainly, my child. 

Flor, Then don't sell Aunt Dinah's little Manda. 

ESTA. What! Have those old fools been to you with their 
troubles.'' I must put a stop to their complainings at once, or the 
whole plantation will be in a state of discontent and trouble. 

Flor. No, papa, don't do anything cruel. It was only Aunt 
Dinah, who has served you so faithfully and well all her life, and was 
my black "mammy," who came to me and tearfully pleaded that I 
would ask you to spare her Manda. Please do, papa, for my sake. 

EsTA. Florence, you do not know what you are talking about. 
You must not interfere with my business affairs. Anything in rea- 
son you ask me will be granted, but I say no to this and ask you to 
say nothing more about it. 

Flor. But papa, think of the unhappiness, the misery you will 
cause by this determination; you separate a child from its parents, 
you break a poor old mother's heart and darken her declining years 
for a few paltry dollars. Please save her child, papa — oh, poor Aunt 
Dinah! Think, papa, of the grief you cause her. Yes, a living death; 
to see that poor old woman unhaappy will ever make me so. 

ESTA. Florence, you do not understand the circumstances., and 
I cannot explain now. You must be satisfied with the knowledge 
that I think it best, and that no pleading on your part will change 
my inind I must have money. 

Fl-OR. If you need money, sell my horse, Tony, that you gave 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 17 

me, and which I so highly prize. Rather than have that child sold 
and sent down the river, I would gladly part with him. Take the 
precious jewels that you have given me; everything I have will go 
freely, now that rny sympathy is enlisted for my old black mammy 
and lier little child. 

ESTA. Don't be foolish, child. Don't let your sympathy rob 
you of reason. Thousands of niggers are being sold every year — 
What is one more or less to you or me.'' 

FloR. Papa, I don't wish to give you cause to be angry with 
me for persisting in this appeal, but I feel that if you sell the little 
one some great trouble will come over our home. The prayers of 
the lowl\- are heard above, and should you inflict this great wrong 
upon your faithful and inoffensive servants you may perhaps suffer 
in some similar way. Some of your loved ones may be taken from 
you, and you made to feel the torture of a more painful separation. 

EsTA. Enough of this nonsense. You know that when I have 
made up my mind, I will not change it. Keep your sympathy; I 
dare say it is not appreciated, but let me hear no more of this I've 
a great mind to have the overseer givs that old woman fifty lashes 
for going to you and playing upon your feelings — but we must go to 
our guests— come. 

FloR. No, papa, I hardly feel equal to the task of entertaining 
them. I will have Rastus bring around Tony and I will have a ride 
down the road; perhaps it will make me feel better. 

ESTA. As you like; but remember, no more ^nonsense about 
that brat. {Exit into house. 

Flor. He is inflexible. I never knew my father could be so 
cruel. I can never bear to see the little one sold. The sight of the 
weeping mother, and the heartbroken father would make me misera- 
ble. I must go somewhere, anywhere, until this wretched sale is 
over, and then tr\' to forget it. 

Entei' Rastus, cantioiisly. 

Rastus. Missy, Missy; hush! 

Flor. What is it. Rastus.? 

Rastus. Is he gone.? 

Flor. Gone— who.? 

Rastus. Dat feller wot wus a lookin' fer blood; he's got migh- 
ty ebil eye, he's bad man, missy, sho' he is. He done want to wade 
in goah. I'se foolish, I is, but if dat'ar man rub up agin me, Ras' 
gwine break fo de qua'ters sho'. 

Flor. Why, Rastus, you're crazy. 

Rastus. No, missy I'se des foolish; but is he done gone.' 

Flor. Of whom are you speaking.? 



18 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

Rastus. Dat sho't man. He calls hisse'f Mistah Sho't, all de 
time sayin', goin', goin', gone; I done hope his stayin' 'round hyer '11 
be as sho't as his name. 

Flor. Oh, you mean Mr. Short. Why, he is not a bad man; 
you can see that by his face 

Rastus. Dat's all right, missy, but dere's sumfin' 'bout dem 
ebil eyes ob his'n dat make me navous, sho' 'nuff. 

Flor. Why, he is an auctioneer. 

Rastus. Da's what's de mattah wid 'im. He's done knockin' 
down so much 'round yer dat he wont be sa'sfied, 'n bim'by h'es 
gwine murder somebody. 

Flor. Don't be frightened, he won't harm you. 

Rastus. 'Deed he won't missy; he's got'r ketch me fust. I ain't 
'fraid, 'deed I ain't; ef he git sassy ter me, I'll — jus' lef him alone an' 
lebe myse'f, sho'. 

Short, {heard within?) Very good; excellent, but I will step 
into the garden. 

Rastus. Yer he done comes now. 'Scuse me, missy, I'se got 
'po'tant business to 'tend to out yer. {Exit hastily. 

Flor. Poor Rastus, how frightened he is. But I must slip 
down to the stables and get Tony. But let me think. Will I let 
them sell that little child.'' No! I'll try my best to save her for Aunt 
Dinah's sake, but how — let me think. I wonder if papa would be 
angry if — never mind I'll do it, and whatever may be the consequen- 
ces. I will save the child for those old servants, if possible. 

{Exit, R. I E. 
Enter RaSTUS. — i^«.yzV heard in house. 

Rastus. [stepping awkwardly about.) Oh, how I des lub to 
waltz, {music stops.) Say, play waltz some mo' {music starts up live- 
ly Rastus commences to waltz, ends with a breakdozvn, during zvhich 

Enter P^STABROOK, GARDNER and SHORT. 
(Rastus not seeing them, collides with ESTABROOK.j Golly! ef 'taint 
massa! {Exit hurriedly. 

Short, {laughing.) Capital, Mr. Kstabrook, the best I ever 
heard. After a satisfying lunch and a good bottle of wine, one feels 
on very good terms with the world — but now to business. Where 
shall \vc have the sale.-* 

EsTA. I think here. I see a number of our neighbors are now 
at the quarters, and several speculators from Glencoe have been 
looking over the negroes. Rastus! Rastus! 

Enter Rastus. 

Rastus. Wus yo' callin' me massa.^ 

Esta. Yes, you black scoundrel; come here. What have been 
doing.'' 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 1 9 

Rastus. Jus' doin' nuffin'. 

EsTA. Doing nothing, were you? I caught you here dancing 
a few moments ago. 

Rastus. Jus' jumpin' 'round to cure de stumick ache 

ESTA. Come here or I'll make you jump with the back ache. 

Come here, quick, I say. 

Rastus. {aside.) Dar is Mistah Sho't man. I'se done skeered 
ob him. 

ESTA. What a stupid brute — now it's settled. I'll sell you and 
down the river you go. 

Rastus. Oh, please massa, don't sell Rastus. 

EST.\. Tell Brown, the overseer, that the sale will be held here. 
Have them bring up the niggers and invite the gentlemen to step 
this way. 

Rastus. 'Deed I will, massa. {aside.) Dey won't sell dis nigga; 
ain't got no sense. I'se bery foolish. {Exit L. U. E. 

Gardner. (/^ Estabrook.) We missed Miss Florence at lun- 
cheon, Mr. Estabrook. Was the fatigue of her ride this morning too 
much for her.'' 

ESTA. No, but she has a foolish idea in her head regarding one 
of the slaves I am to sell. 

Gardner. What is that.** She seems to be very sensible for a 
girl of her age. 

ESTA. She usually is, but her sympathies have been worked up- 
on by an old black couple who do not wish to part with their child. 
She has asked me not to sell it, but it is too late now, The list has 
been made out and must be adhered to. 

Gardner You are quite right. This mawkish sentiment 
about nigger's hearts and feelings is nonsense. But here are the 
niggers. 

Enter Supers, Children, Negroes to be sold, Plantation hands. 
Overseers, Speculators &c. 

Short, {standing zvell dozvnl.. C) Gentlemen: I am here to- 
day at the request of your worthy neighbor, Mr. Estabrook, to call 
your attention to a lot of young negroes, the finest for their age in 
this market. It is unusual, as you know, for Mr. Estabrook to part 
with his people, and as a result he has the best trained and hardest 
working negroes for miles around. The number has so increased, 
however, that some must be disposed of. So here is your golden op- 
portunity to purchase the very best negroes in the country. The 
first lot I will offer consists of a boy and girl, age lO and 8. sound in 
wind and limb, will soon make excellent good workers. Now what 
am I offered for the two— what am I offered.' 



20 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

Voice. One hundred dollars. 

Short. One hundred — do I hear two.' One hundred, one hun- 
dred — 

Voice. One fifty. 

Short. Thank you for small favors, sir; but won't some one saj 
two hundred.-* 

Voice. Two hundred. 

Short. Thank you; there's a man of good judgment; can see a 
good thing when it stands before him. Gentlemen, this is the chance 
of your lives. Who says three hundred; won't some one say three 
hundred; worth five hundred if a dollar. Open your eyes and see for 
yourselves. 

Voice. Two fifty. 

Short. Good again — two fifty once, two fifty twice — 

Voice. Three hundred. 

Short. Ah, there is still hope. Now then, raise her once 
more. Who'll make it four.-* Do I hear four.' Three hundred once, 
three hundred twice — last call — and sold to — ? 

Voice. Peter Wilkins, New Orleans. 

Short. Mr. Wilkins, you've got a prize; please settle with the 
overseer. The next is a colored boy, commonly known as Rastus. 

RasTUS. What's dat.' Oh, massa. yo' gwine sell me.' Please 
don't. 

FLSTA. Certainly, I am. I am tired of your nonsense; down the 
river you go. 

Short. Now, gentlemen, here is a chance to secure a good bo- 
dy servant; sharp, active and a splendid worker. 

Rastus. Tell de trufe, massa Sho't man. I'se lazy as de debil, 
I'se hungry all de time and I ain't got sense. I'se foolish. 

Short. What am I offered- who will start him.' 

Voice. One dollar. 

Rastus. Yo' look hyar, massa, I ain't worf no dollar— bettah 
keep yo' dollar. Yo' don't want me. Oh, massa. don't send Rastus 
away; I'll be a good co'n-fiel' niggaebery day. 

ESTA. Well, I'll buy him in. 

Rastus. T'ank you massa. 1 tol' yo' niggers dey doan sell me; 
massa ain't gwine spar' me, I'se foolish. 

Short. The next on the list is a little house servant, daughter 
of Uncle Jeff and Aunt Dinah. What do I hear.' 
Here AUNT DiNAH appears at door, and Uncle Jeff enters R. C. E. 

Enter FLORENCE, R. I E. GARDNER is well down L. I E. 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 21 

Gardner, (aside.) Now is my chance to let her feel my power 
for evil. She may relent. It is expensive, but I will do it at any 
hazard. 

Short. Here we have a likely child, six years of age and with- 
out mark or blemish. She was born en this plantation, and is the 
making of good nurse or servant. What do I hear.^ 

Voice. Fifty. 

Short. Fifty dollars — very small bid, but it's a beginning. 
Now then, gentlemen from New Orleans, here is your chance. What 
do I hear.-* Bid up, bid up. 

Voice. One hundred. 

Flor. {coining up stage.) Two hundred. 

ESTA. Florence, you are mad! What does this mean.'' 

Flor. It means that I have the allowance you gave me, and 
that if the additton to it of all my savings will accomplish it, I mean 
to save this child to her distresed mother. 

ESTA. But I fcrbid this sentimental freak. 

Flor The monev is mine, papa; vou said I could do with it as 
I liked. 

Short Excuse me; the sale must proceed. Two hundred — 
do I hear three.' Who says three hundred.'' 

Gardner, {aside.) A chance for my revenge. Three hundred. 

Flor. Four humdred dollars. 

Gardner. Five. 

Flor. (aside.) I have but seven hundred dollars. If it goes 
higher, the child is lost. What shall I do.'' 

Short. Five hundred I've heard, do Lhear more.'' This is ex- 
citing—let us hear more. Who will bid again.' 

Flor. Six hundred dollars. 

Gardner. Six fifty. 

Flor. Seven hundred — it is all I have. Papa, will you lend me 
more — I will repay you. Take my jewels or horse tor security. 

ESTA. No,— have done with this; you have compromised your- 
self and me enough already, by this folly. 

Short. Seven hundred -do I hear more.' Seven hundred dol- 
lars once, seven hundred twice— third and last — 

Gardner. Eight hundred dollars, {aside.) She is a little vixen, 
but I will conquer her. 

Short. Eight hundred once — twice- third and last time — sold 
to Mr Gardner of Firdale Plantation, for eight hundred dollars. Well 
gentlemen, this closes the sale for the day, and the sctlements are in 
order. If you will repair with me the little office of Mr. Estabrook, 



22 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

beyond the mansion, we will close the transactions in regular shape. 

{Exit all except FLORENCE and GARDNER. 

Flor. Mr. Gardner, this is most ungenerous and unfair, but as 
the little child is yours by purchase, I hope you will allow her to re- 
main on your place, near her parents. Please keep her there, for 
their sakes as well as for your own reputation for kindness. 

Gardner. Miss Estabruok, you threw down the guantlet; you 
met my advances with scorn and desired that we should be enemies. 
Be it so. I cannot be expected to waste sympathy upon the prote- 
ges of one so bitterly disposed toward me. The child goes down 
the river. 

Flor. {aside.) My intuitions were not at fault. This man has 
neither humane feeling or honor. (/^GARDNER.) You are right, Mr. 
Gardner, Florence Estabrook, though momentarily forgetful of it, 
now appreciates the fact that her proper attitude toward a man of 
your coarse and brutal instincts, is not one of supplicancy, but of de- 
testation and scorn. Your enmity docs me honor, Mr Gardner. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT II. 

Scene i. — Interior. - Sitting Roojn <?/ESTABROOK's mansion , neatly 
furnished. Tables, Chairs, Ornaments &c. tastily arranged. 

Rastus discovered dusti?ig furniture and making a good pretense of 
being busy. 

Rastus. Dere yo' ol' furn'cher, yo' stan' still an' be wiped — 
don't you go kickin' like young mule 'bout hyar. I 'clar to goodness 
I neber did see sech gwines on in all iny black life. Everybody 
'pears like dcy wus down in de mouf and 'tendin' funeral. Sumfin's 
gwine mighty wrong 'bout hyer, but I kaint help dat. I'se a lucky 
nigga not to git sol' and sent away, like dem good fer nuffin' smart 
coons dat got sol' to-day. Ef I hadn't tol' 'em I was foolish I'd bin a 
goner, I reckon, and I'd a got some mastah what would a kep' me 
in de field from mawnin' till night, and dat neber suit dis colored 
gemman. Take it all togedder, I'se glad I'se foolish. 
Enter DiNAH, D. R., carrying a tray. 
Dat you. Aunt Dinah; got somfin' for me to chaw on.-* I'se gittin' 
mighty hungry, I is. Dat's me 'bout dis time. 

Dinah. No, Rastus, dis is fer de missus — poo' missus; she is 
'bout done out wid de worrv and 'eitement ob dis ebenin'. 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 23 

Rastus. I neber seed sech gwines on since I bin in dis house. 
I wonder what all dis is — 

Dinah. 'Deed I don't know Rastus, but the place will neber 
seem to be de same to ine or my ol' man. I neber t'ought dat massa 
Estabrook would sell any ob us, much leastwise my little Manda, dat 
I t'ought he liked. 

Rastus. Golly, but he wus powahful mad wid Miss Flo'cnce 
fer her tryin' to bu) Manda. I neber t'ink he would git so mad wid 
her, but she ain't skeered of him a bit. She jes' sed her say like as if 
she doan keer fo' nobody. 

Dinah. But whar' is she now, Rastus.-* 

Rastus. I do' know; I do' know nuffin' 'cept I'se glad dey 
warn't gwine to buy me When Manda wus sol' to Massa Gardner, 
Missy Flo'ence tol' me: Rastus get Tony; he and Frank are the only 
friends I have left; and wid de tears runnin' out'n dem eyes ob hers, 
she got on his back and galloped away, wid de dog follerin' her. 

Dinah. I'se sorry she make massa mad for de sake of us black 
people, but I'll neber fohgit how she tried to save my baby. Lo'd 
eber bress her pretty eyes fer dat; Dinah alwus lub her. 

Rastus. Yo' bettah git 'long wid missus' tea, or dey'll be sel- 
you next. Dey don't 'low no lazy niggers 'bout hyer. 

Dinah. I'se gwine; but Rastus, did }'o' heah what dey did wid 
Manda.-* Is dey gwine to take her 'way down to Orleans some whar.-* 

Rastus. I'se 'feard dey is, Aunt Dinah. Dat Gardner man is 
mad wid dese folks and I t'ink he's gwine ship Manda 'long wid de 
oders to New Orleans 

Dinah, {^taking up Iter tray?) And I'll neber see my baby agin'. 
Lo'd forgib eberybody, and dose dat took my Manda 'way f'm me. 

{Exit in door L. 

Rastus. Po' Aunt Dinah, she has feelin's. I doan know 'bout 
losin' a chile, but golly, I feel awful tuff when massa wus gwine lose 
me; and dat Sho't man sed all he could to make 'em t'ink I'se smart 
nigger. Dat man's got ebil eye. I wus good min' ter git foolish 'n 
run 'wav, but I'se skcercd. Massa done tol' oberseer ter vvboop me 
bad. 

Enter Short at door R. 

Short. Ah, there you are, my colored friend. 

Rastus. Massa Sho't man go 'way. I'se done 'fraid you's gwine 
sell me. 

Short. But I want you. 

Rastus. I 'spec' you's got ter want. I'se got no truck wid yo'. 
I'se 'fraid ob you. I'se done hush my business. 



24 FAITHFUL KKIEXDS. 

Short. But, what's the matter, Sambo? You don't seem to 
like me. 

RasTUS. I ain't no Sambo. I'se got my likes, and I doan like 
folks dat sell odder folks, no how 

Short. Ah, you object to the auctioneer. Well, I am with 
you. After that scene to-day, I made up my mind to renounce the 
calling forever. Now Sambo 

RaSTUS. Rastus, Massa Sho't. 

Short. I said Rastus, Sambo. I am looking for a red-handed 
murderer. Have you one about handy.-* 

Rastus. {aside.) Dar he go 'gin. I jus' reckon I run 'way 'fore 
he git wuss; he might want'r make a black-footed murderer out ob 
me. {aloud.) Yo' 'sense me from furder talkin' Massa Sho't man, I'se 
gwine down ter git de ducks in be pen. {Exit hastily. 

Short. That 'ooy will never make a detective. Well, this has 
not been an uneventful day after all. Haughty father; spirited, yet 
feeling daughter, and designing lover have all appeared upon the 
scene, with the designing lover in the lead on the home stretch. By 
gracious, that girl is a wonder! How her eyes flashed as she bid 
against Gardner. If a look would kill, he would be a dead man this 
minute. She is the kind of girl I like. If ever A. Little Short em- 
barks on the perilous voyage of matrimony, she is the kind of a girl 
he wants for his shipmate, and don't 3'ou forget to remember it. 

Flor. {outside.) All right, Rastus, tell them I have returned. 

Short. Here she is now. If my heart keeps going up and 
down like this, I'll not be able to retain my equilibrium long enough 
to speak to her. 

Enter FLORENCE, R. D. 
Ah, good evening Miss Estabrook. 

Flor. Good evening, Mr. Short; excuse my unceremonious en- 
trance; I- thought all the visitors had departed. 

Short. I think I am the last to linger. Your father wishes to 
consult me on a business matter, so I remained. I trust you will not 
blame me for anything displeasing in the incidents of this afternoon. 
Miss Estabrook; I only acted as I was compelled by my position, be- 
lieve me. 

Flor. I do not blame you, Mr. Short; the whole affair was un- 
fortunate and caused me much distress. The little one was my fa- 
vorite, and I felt deeply for the parents. 

Short. And that feeling does you credit, Miss Estabrook. 
Your struggle to relieve them, though unsuccessful, was heroic. 

Flor. I hope I was not unladylike. 

Short. Indeed, no. You was earnest, yet womanly, and you 



FAITHFUL FKIEXDS. 25 

won the respect and admiration of every man present, save, possibly, 
one. 

Flok. You mean Mr. Gardner. It is just as well that I do not 
possess his esteem, as it would not honor me. His action to-day 
was contemptible, but I am confident that some day he will meet the 
just retribution his conduct deserves. 

Short. I would like to take the job, with your permission. 

Flor. What! 

Short. Just say the word, and like a knight of old, under your 
banner, and with your ribbon as a talisman, I will sally forth and 
m.ike mince meat of this buyer of children. 

Flor. You are jesting. 

Short. You know the proverb, many a truth is spoken in jest. 
What greater honor could be conferred on a man than to be chosen 
as your champion.'' 

Flor. You are ver) kind Mr. Short; but I have been used to 
being my own champion Should I require another, hower, I will 
not fail to rememiber your chivalrous offer. 

Short. Do so, and you will always find me ready, metaphori- 
cally, to buckle on a sword in your behalf. 

Flor. Thanks. How do \-ou like our southern country, Mr. 
Short. ^ 

Short. It is charming, but less so than the daughters of the 
soil. 

Flor. You flatter. 

Short. If truth be flattery, then I confess the soft impeach- 
ment. But, do you know. Miss Estabrook, I was afraid I would in- 
cur your displeasure by the position in which I was placed to day. 

Flor. But it is your business. 

Short. That hardly justifies it. It has not always been my 
business and from this day henceforth I drop it. I never realized 
the horrors possible to the trafic in slaves and the disgrace in being a 
party to it, until I looked into your flashing eyes and saw you, against 
every obstable, give battle for a little slave girl. 

Flor. But what will you do.'' 

Short. I don't know— anything. I have been almost every- 
thing, from a lawyer's clerk to a cowboy on a ranch I have made a 
bit of everything; have traveled with everything, from a .dramatic 
company to a threshing machine, and sold everything, from an ele- 
phant to a paper of needles. And yet I have nothing more subtan- 
tial to show for my erratic and versatile career than a lot of experi- 
ence and a cheerful disposition. 



23 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

Flor But will your desire for change ever be satisfied? 

Short. It is already. When I look about me and realize how 
unprofitable my life has been, I long for a snug fireside and some 
one to care and struggle for beside myself. But I fear I am boring 
you with this egotistical recital. Turning to a pleasanter topic. Miss 
Estabrook, I know your fondnness for outdoor life, but what do you 
do on rainy days.-* 

Flor. I have my books and music. Are you fond of music.'' 
Short. Very. When at home I try to keep in contact and un- 
ison with the songs of the day. Have you many.i^ 

Flor. {bringing them to him.) Yes, here are some I got at New 
Orleans last winter. Do you know any of them.^ 

Short. Nearly all; suppose we try them over. 

Flor. With pleasure, (they sing.) 

Enter ESTABROOK looking surprised. 

ESTA. Well, Florence, I'm glad to see your spirits have improv- 
ed since this afternoon, and you, Mr. .Short, I did not know you were 
a singer.' 

Short. My friends say I am not, my upper notes are decidedly 
weak,- but speaking of notes, how is the business getting on.** 

ESTA. I have just finished with Mr. Brown, my overseer. We 
had some difficulty in securing payment as we wanted it. The sale 
has proved very remunerative, however, and I can meet my note 
with a little balance remaining. 

Short. But remember, it must leave by the mail packet to- 
night, to reach New Orleans before the expiration of the three days, 
grace. What is the time now.' 

P.STA. Nearly 8 o'clock. The necessity for getting the money 
away to-night fairly slipped my mind; you know as a business man I 
am a decided failure. What's to be done.' It's a good 7 miles to Ros- 
coe and not a horse on the place could make it in time. 

Flor. {coming forward.) Yes there is papa — my Tony. 

EsTA. But no one can ride him but yourself 

Flor. Then if it is an important mission, why cannot I be the 
messenger.' 

EsTA. and Short. You! 

Flor. Yes, I. If I can ride about for pleasure why not for bus- 
iness. Please papa let me go; I fear you are still angry with me for 
trying to buy little Manda but you will forgive me wont you, and to 
prove it let me do this mission for you. 

Short. It is the only chance Mr. Estabrook, but you are not 
afraid Miss Florence. 



FAITHFUL FUI ENDS. 27 

FloR. I never was afraid of anN/thing in my life; no one ever 
harmed me, so why should I be, besides have I not faitiiful friends, 
Tony and Frank, the fleetest horse and the smartest dog in the 
country round. Why I would feel as safe the darkest nigiit as though 
I rode with a regiment of soldiers. 

ESTA. Florence, child, this is a matter of the greatest impor- 
tance or I would not have you risk it. 

Short. Remember, it is your last hope. 

ESTA. Then you may go. Short find Rastus and have him sad- 
dle Tony immediately I will write a line to the brokers and enclose 
securities. Go, my child, and change your dress as quickly as possi- 
ble and start at the earliest moment.- 

Flop.. Have no fear papa; the letter will reach Roscoe in time 
for the steamer or you may call Ton\' the slowest horse on the plant- 
ation. {Hxit R. 

Short. Wiiat a wonderful girl; you should feel proud of her, 
Mr. Estabrook. 

ESTA. I am. She is headstrong, fearless and impulsive. I must 
say I am pleased that she refused Gardner's addresses. I don't like 
the man--but hasten; tell Rastus to have the horse at the door at 
once if he values his black hide. 

Short. Cool and bracing, I must say; the horse will be here or 
my name is not little Short. {Exit L. 

ESTA. Now, to write my letter and enclose money and securi- 
ties. When it is in the mail pouch my mind will be at rest. (ExitR. 

Gardner, {appears D. L.) Luckily there was no one to an- 
nounce me, otherwise I should not have known of the existing state 
of affairs and would have been unable to take a hand in it myself. 
My affairs are desperate; paying $8oo for that damned nigger was a 
pretty piece of vengeance, but it has left me high and dry as far as 
money is concerned. This opportunity is too glorious to be lost. I 
can regain my money with a couple of thousand more, besides mak- 
ing that dare devil girl feel my power. My old friend in many a job 
of this kind is at Johnston tavern on the Roscoe road. He must do 
the work as he is unknown to her; now to get the start by 15 min- 
utes. I'll arrange with him for the job. and then, revenge. She 
spurned my love, she called me a cur, and now she will feel my 
teeth. {Exit through windoiv. 

Short, {returning ^l.) The horse will be here in a moment. 
Not here— I knew the delay would not be caused by me. 
Enter EsTABROOK with large envelope in hand. 

Esta. Here is the package secured and sealed. If it only 
reaches Roscoe before the boat leaves I will be a happy man, but 
where is Florence.' 



28 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

Enter FLORENCE in riding habit. 

Flor. Here I am, papa. Where is the package? 

ESTA. Here. Be careful of it; if it be too late for the mail, 
take it to the landing and give it to the captain or first mate with in- 
structions regarding its value. 

RasTUS. {coming in L.) Tony is ready, missy. 
Flor. And so am I. 

ESTA. Be careful child; God keep you from harm, I feel as if 
something was going to happen. 

Flor. Never fear for me papa, if Tony's speed is half as good 
as usual this letter will go down the river to night. 

CHANGE. 

SCENE W. Wood in L. 

Enter GARDNER and WOODRUFF. 

Gardner, Quick, I say! There is not a moment, a second to 
lose. The greatest chance of our lives has presented itself, and we 
must not let it slip. 

Wood. What is it now; tell me. You dragged me away from 
a jolly crowd at Johnston's where I was enjoying myself — now what's 
in the v;ind.'' 

Gardner. A great deal Have you any means of disguising 
yourself and me.' 

Wood. From who — who are you afraid of.' 

Gardner. Afraid of no one, but I have a great scheme on foot. 
Florence Estabrook — 

Wood. The gal you're in love with. Wasn't the cold shake 
enough.' Are you still silly about her.' 

Gardner. Listen. Her father has entrusted her with a valu- 
able package of money and securities, that he says must reach Ros- 
coe landing to-night. As I am down to my last penny, the profits 
from our still have been little or nothing, and as $8oo of my money 
is in that package I propose to get it back. 

Wood. This is something like, but what is your scheme.' 

Gardner. Simple enough. She is alone and unprotected. 
She does not know you, but you should have some disguise in case 
she sees you again. My plan is to take money, girl and all. It 
will be a secret revenge for the way she has insulted me. We'll 
take her on to old Daddy Carey's place where my band of moon- 
shiners have their headquarters, and the old man is my lieutenant. 
There we'll keep the fine lady, until she consents to become my wife. 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 29 

The money will be yours bu,tiF:lor.en.ce JEstabrook will belong to me. 

Wood. Are your horses feaid'v ?■'"'' " 

Gardner. Yes I have ordered your's brought around. What 
have you for a disguise.-* 

Wood. Only these false beards. I was entertaining the party 
at Johnston's with reminiscences of their use — but where will we 
stop the gal. 

Gardner. I have thought of all that. By cutting across' 
country and jumping a fence or two we can arrive at Johnston's 
Glen a good quarter of an hour before her. From there to Carey's 
is but a little ways. We can arrange further as we go along. Re- 
member this job means more than money to me; it means revenge. 

Wood. You can liave all the revenge >'ou want, I take the 
money, 1 can do more with it. 

Gardner. Come on; the horses are waiting and we must ride 
as we never rode before. (WOODRUFF crosses and exits at L.) Flor- 
ence Estabrook will be in m)' power in an hour. How I will gloat 
over her misery. But .'^he shall not know who I am. At last I shall 
see this brave woman suing for mercy at my feet. {Exit L. 

change. 

SCENE III.- Rocky pass in 4. Set Rocks. Roadzvay by river if 
practicable. Wild, desolate looking scene. 

Enter Uncle Jeff, R. 4 E. folloived by DiNAH, much fatigued. 

Jeff, {speaking off.) Come 'long mammy; don't lose yo' sperit; 
you's good for de balance ob de way in no time 'tall. 

Dinah. 'Deed I'se putty nigh used up Dis day has bin nuffin 
but trouble and 'citement and dis yere ol' woman can't stand it. 

Jeff. Jus' t'ink mammy, we'se gwine down to de kiiidin' to hab 
de last last look at our Manda befo' dey take her away, p'raps forcber. 

Dinah. I know; but let me res' my old bones a minit, and den 
I'll be as spry as a June bug. Unc'Jefif, I must res' jus' a minit. 

Jeff. All right, Dinah. I guess we got time ter make de land- 
in'. Bv crossin' tru de bresh an' climin' ober de rocks, we save a 
good mile. How yo' feel now, Dinah.' 

Dinah. Jus' tol'ble— look yer. 1 can't git it tru my black wool 
why Mars' Ga'dner took sech a powa'ful shine to our iManda. He 
mus' set a heap on her when pay all dat money fo' her. 

Jeff. I doan t'ink it's dat. 'Pears to me ders's trouble 'twixt 
him an' little missy. Lo'd bress her, how she did stan' up an' sass 
eberybody for our'little gal. 'Deed I'll neber fo'git her fo' dis day's 
work. 



30 FAITHFUL FKIENDS 

Dinah. She's de sweetest flowah dat eber grew in dis worl' I 
done t'ought Mars Ga'dner would keep de chile hyar, but he took 
'tickler pains dat no one should talk to her 'til she was handed ober 
to de spec'later. 

Jeff. An' it was him dat sed dat we could bid Manda good-bye 
at de landin'. 

Dinah. 'Deed I'm disappinted in Massa Estabrook. Neber did 
I t'ink he would sell any ob his people. 

Jeff. Doan say nuffin' 'gin de massa. Maybe it wus all fo' de 
bes'. De good Lo'd may hab some good objec' in takin' her — but 
come. Dinah, we mus' be gwine. {helps her up, and they move slowly 
down L. I E. 

Enter GARDNER and WOODRUFF, R. U. E., iinperceived. 

Gardner. Here we are; this is the place and we are in time. 

Wood. Hush! Who are them people.'' I thought you said the 
place was deserted. 

Gardner. A couple of niggers going home, I take it — listen. 

Jeff. Now ol' lady, stir yo' stumps; jus' put yo' bes' foot to de 
front and we'll be at de landin' in free shakes ob a dead lamb's tail. 

Dinah. All right, Jeff, I'm a comin'. 

Gardner. (/^Woodruff.) The effectual way to dispose of 
these people is to frighten them. You know how superstitious they 
are.-* Just watch — {both hide behind rock.) 

Gardner, [sighing profoundly }j Ah! 

Wood. Ah! 

Dinah, {turning quickly.) Jefferson Washin'ton Estabrook! 
What wus dat noise.' 

Jeff. Go on, ol' woman. Dey wasn't no noise — yo'se gittin' 
silly. 

Gardner. Ah! 

Wood. Ah! 
• Jeff Dinah Marfa Sophronia Estabrook, I done heerd de noise 
dat time. What yo' reckon 'tis. 

Dinah. Oh, I'se silly, but I 'spec it's spooks, 'n I wish I wus 
home. 

Jeff, {much frightened.) Spooks! Doan be skeered. Look at 
me. {trembling.) I'se cool as cowcumber. {wiping face with batida- 
na.) Derc ain't no sech t'ing as spooks. 

Gardner, {with deep voice.) Who is it that dares to come into 
the Hoodoo camp.-* They must die. 

Jeff a«^ Dinah {clinging together.) Oh, I wish I wus home. 

Gardner. Ah! 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 31 

Jeff. Ah! 'Scuse me massa Hoodoo, I ain't got no business hyer. 
I'se gwine right away! Come 'long yo' foolish ol' woman; \'o' done 
cause all dis 'sturbatice. 

Gard. a«r/ Wood. Ah! 

Jeff, {shoving Dinah off.) Ah, yo'se'f 'n see how yo' like it. 

{Exit, L. I. E. 

Gardner, {coming down?) I think we have disposed of them. 
There's no danger of interruption from that quarter. But now to 
business — is everything perfectly understood.-' 

Wood. Yes; I have a horse and buggy about twenty rods from 
here. Will you take her horse.-* 

GauDNAR I think it best that we leave her horse behind. It 
will look more like a mysterious disappearance, to have it found wan- 
dering about. Besides, it might be recognized with us. 

Wood. This has been hurried work — but we have arrived on 
time. 

Gardner. None too soon. 1 hear the canter of a horse now- 
quick, m}' disguise, and mind I must keep, well in the background. 
1 don't want iier to recognize me yet. When you have her in the 
buggy, I will start for home and so avert suspicion, and you meet me 
at Daddy Carey's as we agreed. 

Wood. Leave her to me. She's not the first I have brought to 
terms. But listen, be ready. She is here. {Music. Horses Jioofs 
heard outside.) 

Enter Florence R. U. ^. follozved by Frank. 
(Woodruff and GarDiVER hide behind the rocks. As FLORENCE ap- 
pears. Woodruff msJies out, and seises horse s bridle.) 

Wood. Just stop a moment, please. 

FloR. How dare you stop my horse. Release his bridle at 
once. 

Wood. Not so fast. Miss. This is no time of night for a young 
woman to be galloping about in dangerous places. You need a pro- 
tector. 

FloR. You are insulting. Release my horse's head this instant 
or you will bitterly repent this insolence. 

Wood. Still fiery. Then I must come to the point at once. 
I'll trouble you for a package ) ou are carrying to Roscoe Landing. 

FloR. Package.-* What package.-* I have no package. 

Wood. I am sorry to be discourteous to a lady, but you are 
telling a falsehood. Enough of this nonsense— so out with it — the 
money I must have. 

Flor. What I told you was not true. I have a package which 



32 FAITHFUL FKlFNDfs 

I have been commissioned by my father to dehver at Roscoe to- 
night. It is a sacred trust, and I will fulfil it at all hazards, {draw- 
ing revolver^ Come and take it at your peril. 

Wood, {releasing horse for a moment. You she devil! 

Gardner, {msliing from behind rock.) Don't let her escape. 

FlOR. {as Woodruff ivrests revolver from her.) Heaven pro- 
tect me. 

Wood. Now, my fine lady, the tables are turned. Quick! off 
that horse, or I'll spoil that pretty face of yours. Here Jim, {to 
Gardner,) fa-^ten the horse and let's be off. 

Flor. I beg of you, ifxou have any manhood or compassion 
in your hearts, do not keep me frcm tlie performance of my duty. 
Delay means the ruin and disgrace of my father. Surely he nor I 
have ever wronged you; why should do such a cowardly thing as to 
rob me and mine. 

Wood. Little mercy you would show us at the muzzle of your 
pistol, you wild cat. No, we are determined — the money we must 
have. 

Flor. {taking off^ medallion.) If you want money, here, take 
this. It is very valuable — a present from my father; but do not 
rob me of my trust. 

Wood, {snatching the jewel. Your'e a fool! We'll have this as 
well. Here, Jim, take this trinket and take care of it. {hands Jewel 
to Gardner, ivho places it in an envelope and puts it in his overcoat 
pocket.) Now for the package, quick! 

Flor. You shall not have it; I'll die first. 

Gardner, {aside to ^00V>^\5YV.) Don't be rough. Easy with 
her until you get to Care}''s — then you can get it. 

Wood. As you say — but I'd like to strangle the little spit-fire. 
You look out for the dog. Come Miss. You must come with me 
this way. 

Flor. 1 will not. 

Wood. It's no use we must use force. (GARDNER throzvs a cape 
over her head from behind.) See, we have you at last. (FLORENCE 
resists, but finally gives up. The dog attacks GARDNER.) 

{Exit Gardner and dog K. 2. E., struggling. 

Wood. Now to administer a little quieting medicine. She will 
hardly return to consciousness before our journey's end. {Puts phial 
to her nostrils.) Gaidner seems to be having trouble with that brute. 
The best way to settle him would be a bullet from this pistol. But 
no — the shot might give the alarm. It's better to be on the safe 
side. {Enter GARDNER looking used up.) Well, is he all right.? 

Gardner. Yes, but after a terrible struggle. The beast seem- 



t'AITIlFUL FRIENDS. 33 

ed to realize that he was fighting for his mistress and gave me an 
awful battle. 

Wood. Your hand is bleeding, did he bite you.'' 

Gardner. Yes. This handkerchief will stop the flow — it's 
nothing dangerous. I have him safely tied to a tree; he can do no 
further harm. What about the girl.'* 

Wood. She's quiet enough, and liable to remain so. Lend a 
hand and we'll be off and in a short time we'll be safe in Carey's den. 

Gardner. The girl and the money both secured with little dif- 
ficulty; this is a glorious night's work. And now Miss Estabrook, 
you bid fair to become the moonshiner's bride. Come. 

[Exit L. 2. E., carrying- FLORENCE between tJiem. 

As they go off, the dog appears ivith rope dragging, the end frayed, as 
if bitten off. He looks after them and then unties the horse and 
leads hiui off. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT III. 
Scene I. — Interior of kitchen. Door and zvindotv at back. 
Dinah discovered washing dishes etc. 

Dinah. Dis don't seem like de happy mawnin' we done hab 
here ever since I belong to Massa Estabrook. Everything seems 
gwine wrong and all de niggers look skcerd to death. Dat was sucti 
a 'sprise to dem yisterd'y dat dey don't know what to 'spect next. 
Well dis is de worst dey could do to me and Jeff; took 'way our little 
Manda; after dat dere's no trubble can grieve our hearts 'cept dey'd 
part me and m3' ol' man. and I reckon Massa wouldn't do dat. 
Enter UNCLE Jeff hurriedly D. F. 

Jeff. Dinah! Dinah! did yo' hear de news— did yo' hear it.' 

Dinah. What's de mattah vvid vo' man- what news you 'spect 
I ha'r.? 

Jeff. 'Bout Missy Florence — 

Dinah. Missy Florence.' Why I 'spose she's 'way for her mo'- 
nin' ride — de plantation don't see much ob little Missy dis time ob 
day. 

Jeff. But ain't yo' hea'd.' She aint been home all de night, 
and de Massa and ol' Missy are nigh crazy 'bout it. 

Dinah. Why, when did she go.' 



34 FAITHFUL KUIKNDS. 

Jeff. Last night— but hyar comes Rastus. He may bring good 
news. 

Enter Rastus door in flat. 

Rastus. What yo' lazy niggers doin' hyar.'^ Why ain't yo' out 
lookin' for little Missy.^ 

Dinah. I jes heerd she was done gone, from Unc' ]^^. But 
Rastus, tell us all 'bout it. 

Rastus. Well. I ain' got no time to flitter 'way wid ) o' com- 
mon niggers, but if Aunt Dinah has just a drap ob sperits what she 
puts in her puddin', I might be able to tell yo' all 'bout it. 

Dinah, {bringing bottle aiid glass^ Here Rastus — now tell us. 
I'm all in a fluster - how did it happen, and where do dey t'ink sheis.-* 

Rastus. {taking drink.^ Dat's jes like you women you'se al- 
ways askin' questions, moah questions in a minit dan a man can an- 
swer in a week, {takes another drink.) Why don't vo' take it cool 
like I do.? 

Jeff. Go on Rastus — tell us what yo' know. 

Rastus. Well since you're so pressin' — it's jes dis way — yo' see 
frcm what I could h'ar tru de key holes and 'round the corners, ol' 
Massa done owed some money what had to be paid 'mediately if not 
sooner —and dat am de reason all de little ones was sold yisterd'y. 

Dinah. Yes. and our poor Manda 'mong 'em. 

Rastus. De ol' man feel awful bad 'bout it, but it couldn't be 
helped, he had to hab de money. Well it seems dat de money had 
to go down to Orleans on de packet last night, and dey didn't find it 
out till de las' minit; den de iVIassa called me and asked m)^ advice. 
He say to me, "Rastus, how I get dat money down to de boat;" den 
I say to him, Massa, dere's only one horse dat can make dat journey 
in time, and dat's Tony. Den he says to me, who can ride de horse, 
and Missy Florence says, I'll take it, and sho' 'nough, dat gal got on 
de horse, dat I brought 'round to de door-and galloped 'way into 
de darkness ob de night, and we hain't seen her since. Ol' Massa 
don't know what become ob her — or wheder somt'ing happen to her 
on de way home. 

Jeff. Why she wasn't at de landin' when de boat started. 

Rastus. How yo' know dat, man.? 

Dinah. Yo' be careful Jeff; if dey know yo'd left de plantation 
las' night, yo'd get de whippin' post. 

Rastus. Look heah — if yo' niggers know anything 'bout dat 
boat— or dat landin', you jes tell de Massa. He won't hab you harm- 
ed, he bress you. I'll go bring him heah, and yo' speak de truf, de 
whole truf— and nothing but de truf, so helf yo' bob. {Exit L. 2 E. 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 35 

Dinah. Now yo' see what yo' done, got yo'se'f in trubble, for 
talkin' too much. Dey say de women are always gettin' into trubble 
wid dere tongues— but ebery time a man opens his mouf, he puts 
his foot in it. 

Jeff. Never mind Dinah — if I does get a beatin' I'll tell de 
Massa what I know, and saw at de landin'. It may ease his mind 
'bout Little Missy. 

Dinah. Yes, when he heahs we bof broke de rule 'bout gwine 
off the place at night, den we bof get whipped. 

Jeff. No, indeed, Dinah, de ol' Massa feels de sorrow ob his own 
child's loss now, too much to make us poor colored people suffer more. 

(Ente7' ESTABROOK followed by RaSTUS door R. 2 E. 

ESTA. What's this I hear. Jeff.' Rastus tells me you were at 
Roscoe Landing last night.'' 

Jeff. Yes, massa Estabrook, I hope yo' fo'gib me fo' breakin 
de rule, but dat wus de las' chance we had to see our little Manda 
'fore she wus taken away; so we walk 'cross de woods an' seed her 
fo' de las' time. 

ESTA. How long were you there before the boat started.' 

Jeff. 'Bout ten minutes, sah. 

ESTA. And all that time you stood so that you could see any 
one that rode up to the landing.' 

Jeff. Yes sah; right by de gang plank. 

ESTA. And did my daughter, Miss Florence, ride up there 
while you were waiting.' 

Jeff. No, sah. 

ESTA. Are you sure.' 

Jeff. Yes, sah; and she wusn't dar befo' dat, 'caze somebody 
would a seed her an' tol' 'bout it. 

ESTA. True, true — my worst fears seem to be realized. She 
must have been stopped on the road to the landing and robbed, per- 
haps murdered. 

Rastus. {aside.) I belebe it wus dat Sho't man— he's allers 
talkin' 'bout murder. Golly! speak ob de debil 'n he's sho' to turn up. 

Enter SHORT, — D. E. 

Short. Ah, here you are, Mr. Estabrook. I have been looking 
for you everywhere. 

Esta. For God's sake, speak — any trace of her.' 

Short. Not the slighest. We have gone over every inch of 
ground between here and Roscoe Landing since daybreak. There is 
not the slightest trace of any struggle. 



36 FAITHKUI, KRIKNDS. 

Rastus. Den I done bettah dan yo' Mr. Sho't. I done found 
sufifin' dis mawnin'. 

Short. What was it, Rastus.? 

RASTU.S. {producing a piece of rope?) Dis'yer. I foun' it 'bout 
twenty feet f'om de road, tied to a tree. Now rope doan grow on no 
trees, so I ontied de todder en' 'n t'ought I bring it long hyar. 

Short. Rastus, your keen, observing faculties will promote 
you to the detective force yet. This is our first clue. Did the earth 
about the tree look as if there had been a scuffle.'' 

Rastus. Yes sah, it was toah up like. 

Short. Ah, I see it all; we have struck the right trail at last. 
If you notice, this end of the rope has been bitten off, doubtless the 
work of some animal, and probably of your sagacious four footed 
friend, Frank. He tried to help his mistress and was tied up for his 
pranks, but Rastus where did you find this rope.'* 

Rastus. At a place dat we folks about hyar call Johnston's 
Glen. 

Jeff, {^to Dinah. j Why dat's where we hcerd de spooks. 

Short. What's that.-* 

ESTA. I neglected to tell you Mr. Short, that these colored peo- 
ple were at the landing when the boat started, and up to that time 
Florence had not arrived. 

Short. What was that they said about spooks.' 

Dinah. It wasn't me, Mr. Short, it was dat man of mine. I 
didn't say nuffin'. 

Jeff. Yes — but yo' said sufifin when you heerd dat spook go ah! 
Dinah. Deed. I didn't want to say nuffin' — I want to scoot 
Short. But where did all this happen.? 
Jeff. Near dat place Rastus am talkin' 'bout, Johnston's Glen. 

Short. Tell me all about it.? {to ESTABROOK.) This may lead 
to something. 

Jeff. Well sah,yo' see me and Dinah, here — we wanted to git 
a las' look at our Manda. what yo' sol" yisterd'y, and so afteh da'k we 
sta'ted fo' de landin'. When we got to Johston's Glen bv de sho't 
cut, Dinah hear, who is gittin' ol' — 

Dinah. Ol, yo'se'f; I'm twice es spry es yo' is now. 
Jeff. W'y Dinah, yo'se good five yeahs ol'er dan me. 
Dinah. Heah dat fool nigger — yo' go long. I'se nuffin' but a 
young gal now. 

Rastus. Yes yo'se bof ol' 'nuff ter eat hay. 
Esta. Rastus be quiet. Go on, Jeff. 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 37 

Jeff. Well, sah, Dinah want to sit down an' res' herse'f, so 
down she sot. Jus' as we gvvine on, she heerd a voice sayin' — Ah! 
and golly, if it did'n' skeer me mos' to deff. 

Short. Did it say anything more.-* 

Jeff. Yes sah. it said ef we didn't git 'way fom dat dar place 
de hoodoo would follcr us all our lives. So we git out ob dar quick. 

Short, {to Esta.) Ah, the returns are coming in. Doubtless 
this robbery or abduction was planned, and as the presence of these 
negroes about the place interfered with its execution, they were 
frightened away. 

ESTA. But how could they have planned the robbery; no one 
knew of the arrangment for remitting the money except you and I. 

Short. That is a mystery that we must unravel. But, at least, 
we are on the track. Come, let us look over the ground again. A 
thorough examination of this Johnston Glen may enable us to get on 
the trail of the abductors. 

ESTA. If you will join ine in the library in a few minutes, I will 
accompany you. I must tell Mrs. Estabrook that we have a clue, 
though a faint one. {Exit, R. 3. E. 

Short. Sambo, allow me to congratulate you. You are the 
hero of the hour; to you we owe our thanks for the first clue. 

RaSTUS. Yo' doan owe Rastus nuffin'. I done heerd what mas" 
sa say. Dere wus only free dat know dat little missy had de money, 
an' was gwine carry it to de landin'. Dey is Massa Estabrook. Mis- 
tah Sho't and Rastus Now it wusn't Massa Estabrook what stole 
de gal and de money, and it wusn't Rastus, and dere s only one od- 
der person what know'd; so dar yo' is, Mistah Sho't. 

Short. What do you mean.' 

Rastus. I'se got my meanin'. 

Short. Do you mean to say that I stole the money and carried 
off Miss Florence.'' 

Rastus. Oh, I ain't sayin' nuffin'; I'se foolish. 

Short. Why, you black scoundrel, I have a great mind to 
throw you out of the window 

Rastus. No sah, doan do dat. Dere's a big wateh troff under 
dat windeh, an' I might spile de wateh. 

Short. Then the water must be spoiled — 
Siezes RasTUS, froui under ivliose clothes fall to the floor cakes, cookies 

and a pie, seeing ivhich, DiNAH comes to Short's assistance and 

together they pitch RasTUS out of the windozv.- Splash. 

Rastus. {at window, dripping.) Better not do dat 'gin. I'se 
foolish. [change.] 



38 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

SCENE II.— Plain Chamber in L. 

Enter Mrs. Estabrook, l. i. e. 

Mrs. Esta. What a night of misery 1 have passed, doubt and 
anxiety regarding the fate of my little one has nearly driven me 
frantic. It seems an age since yesterday; sorrow indeed lengthens 
one's hours. 

Enter ESTABROOK R. I. E. 

My dear husband, tell me, tell me quickly has anything been 
heard of our darling child.'' 

E.STA. We have found a slight clue, but so slight that I fear to 
base much hope upon it. 

Mrs. Esta. And that is—.? 

ESTA. A piece of rope has been found tied to a tree one end of 
which has been gnawed off. Our friend Short has a theory that when 
Florence was attacked, her dog Frank tried to save her, but was tied 
up and subsequently escaped. 

Mrs. Esta. But how could you, her father, send her out into 
the night on such a journey.' 

Esta. Do not reproach me my dear wife, my cup of misery is 
already full. Her words yesterday when interceding for little Manda, 
are ever present in my mind. It seems prophetic, for she said: "If 
you inflict this great wrong upon your servants, some of your loved 
ones may be taken from you, and you be made to feci the torture ot' 
a more painful separation." How soon have her words been realized. 

Mrs. Esta. Bear up Hiram. We must not lose hope, and 
should our daughter be restored to us, we should try to buy back 
little Manda, for I feel with you, that this is a punishment inflicted 
upon us for separating a child from its parents. 

Esta. This has been a fearful lesson to me. As Heaven is my 
witness, I'll never sell another slave as long as I live. 
£'«/<'r Gardner r. i e. 

Gardner. Good morning, Mr. Estabrook, good morning, Mrs. 
Estabrook — you will pardon my entering unannounced, but the 
house seems in snch a confusion that there was no one to announce 
me. 

Esta. We have suffered a terrible loss, Mr. Gardner. 

Gardner. Yes, I have heard, and wished to be the first to ex- 
press my sympathy and to do all in my power to help you in your 
search. 

Esta. I thank you, Mr. Gardner. You must excuse my hasty 
words of yesterday. I was very much annoyed, and must confess I 
doubted your friendship. Your hearty tender of help in this our ex- 
tremitv, convinces me that I wronged vou. 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 39 

Gardner. You did, indeed. I love your daughter sincerely, 
but as she does not reciprocate my feelinors, I have tried to think it 
may be for the best. I was too hasty in my words to her, but now 
that she may be in imminent peril, we must do everything in our 
power to find and restore her to her mother's arms. 

Mrs. Esta. I thank you. Mr. Gardner. This is the greatest 
sorrow of my life. My poor dear; I am distracted when I think of 
her possible fate. Please excuse me — {Exit, L. I. E. 

Gardner. Poor woman, her heart is nearly broken. Indeed, 
Mr. Estabrook, your wife and you have my heartfelt sympathy — 
but something must be done, and at once. I cannot understand how 
anything could have happened of a serious nature She is a perect 
horsewoman and knows the country well. Again, what object could 
any one have had in molesting lier.'^ 

ESTA. Robbery. I fear. 

Gardner. Robbery.? 

ESTA. Yes. I foolishly allowed her to be the bearer of a large 
sum of money to Roscoe Landing. It was necessary that it should 
be there last night before the departure of the south bound packet. 
She volunteered to be the messenger and I. fearing no danger, con- 
sented. It will be a lifelong regret to me, and should she not be 
found it will kill her mother. 

Gardner. She had a sum of money with her.'' 

ESTA. Yes, the proceeds of the sale of yesterday. 

Gardner. That puts a n^w face upon the affair. 

ESTA. Why.? What do you mean.? 

Gardner. That her disappearance may have been voluntary. 

ESTA. I do not understand you. 

Gardner. Mr. Estabrook, I appreciate your feelings as a fath- 
er and dislike to give exression to a tiieory of your daughter's ab- 
sence that may wound you deeply. 

Esta. Speak, man; do not keep me in suspense. 

Gardner. As you know, I love Miss F'lorence and would make 
her my wife, but the circumstances of this affair lead me to suspect 
that she was not abducted, but has run away. 

ESTA. Mr. Gardner, how dare you say such a thing regarding 
my daughter. Were I not an old man, sir, I would crush you to the 
earth. 

Gardner. Easy. Mr. Estabrook. I knew I would offend you, 
but it is just as well to face all the possibilities. Your daughter is 
wild, imperious, and headstrong. You thwarted her in a matter up- 
on which she had set her heart, and she is impatient of restraint. Do 



40 l"''^ ''I'H FU L FU 1 K \ 1 )S 

you remember her words when she wished you to spare the child? 
"Papa," she said, "you will re^^ret this to the last day of your life." 

ESTA. It is true; but I cannot harbor such a thought. My child 
upon whom I have lavished affection, whose happiness has been my 
sole object in life, she to be so ungrateful.'' No. I will not believe it. 
She may be wild, she may be headstrong, but Florence Estabrook is 
not a thief. 

Gardner. There you misunderstand me. I would not insinu- 
ate that she had stolen the money, but could she not have visited 
some of her friends, could she not have purposely stayed away last 
night, to punish you for your imagined cruelty to her.' Is not my 
theory reasonable.'' 

ESTA. It is not only unreasonable, but it is unjust. 

Gardner. Believe me Mr. Estabrook, I am sorry that I gave 
words to my thoughts. I hope you do not think the less of me for 
so doing.'' 

ESTA. I understand you perfectly Mr. Gardner, but it is evi- 
dent you do not understand the girl whom you would make your 
wife. 

Gardner. Then to show my interest in her welfare, 1 ask to be 
employed in a renewal of the search. We will leave no foot of the 
ground between here and Roscoe unexplored. Something is likely 
to result from our search. 

Enter Short, hurriedly. 

Short. Ah, here you are, Mr. Estabrook. We have examined 
the ground near where the knawed rope was found, and there are 
signs of a struggle having occurred there. But there the clue ends 
as yet; no trail ot people going in any direction. w,is discovered. 
Now, we must organize parties to go in different directions from that 
point as a centre, and scour the country for twenty miles around. 

Gardner. Yes, that is a good suggestion, Mr. Estabrook; and 
lest you should imagine that I am inflexibly wedded to my own the- 
ory, I offer to take charge of one of the parties. 

EsTA. Tnank you. Mr. Gardner, 1 believe you are sincere. 

Short, {aside.) And I believe he is a damned rdscal. 

ESTA. But come, let us start at once. There is not a moment 
to be lost. {Exit, R. I.E. 

Gardner, {aside.) My plan is succeeding admirably. I will 
follow the right trail, send them in other directions, and thus throw 
them completely off the scent. {Exit R. i E. 

Short. If I'm any judge of human nature, that man is a scoun- 
drel. I don't know why I say so, but I am compelled to. His ac- 
tions yesterday do not lead ffic to infer that he will do much"^ for the 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. A 1 

fare of Miss Florence. I may be mistaken, but I'll gamble a twenty- 
dollar gold piece to a stick of candy that I am not. My fine South- 
ern gentleman I'll keep my weather eye on you, and if you're in dny 
way tricky I'll be down on you like a thousand of brick. {Exit R. i E. 



SCENE III. — Carey s Den. A tumble-down place. Door K. C. Win- 
dotv L. C. Another door tvith bars across, L. 3. E. 

As scene draws off a crowd of rough men discovered seated on benches, 
drinking from tin cups ; some playing cards. CakeY dozing by 
fireplace, R. 2. E. MOTHER CarEY, an old hag is quieting men, 
who are laughihg loudly. 

Mother C. Hush, hush my pretty birds, or you'll waken the old 
man, and some of you will find he's not in a cheerful humor. Some- 
thing has gone wrong at the still, and he's as cross as two sticks. 

Voice, All right mother, but give us some more liquor. 

Mother C. Ah, that's what you want my pretty birds, ah, you 
take to it as a duck does to water. 

All. {loudly.) Drink fair, and give us some more. 

Carey, {zvaking.) What's all this noise.^ What do you all mean 
by raising such a row; do you think you are in a tavern.^ And you, 
you old fool, is that the way to keep them quiet, filling them up with 
drink.^ The first thing you know the officers will be down upon us, 
and the whole concern will be snuffed out and we in limbo. 

Mother C. I only just give 'em a bit, 'deed I did. 

All. That's so — that's so — 

Carey. Be quiet! all of you. I,ve had bad news, to-day, and 
we've got to be very shady, instead of taking more chances. 

Mother C. What is it, Daddy.^ 

All. Yes, what is it— tell us.? 

Carey. Well, the revenue officers have had some hint of our 
place here. I don't know if we have a traitor among us, but if we 
have, he's got to die. You remember your oath.? 

All. We do. 

Carey. Then think of it well. You know me and your cap- 
tain. The man who splits on us will take his life in his hands. So 
take heed. 

Mother C. Don't be harsh, Daddy; the boys are all good fel- 
lers, and not a telltale or coward amongst 'em. 

All. Good for the old woman- hurrah! 



42 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

Carey. Hush! Be quiet, curse you. If suspicion is once di- 
rected to our den, we'll have to make tracks on short notice; so we'll 
have to keep quiet for the sake of our necks. Keep watch of every 
stranger and let no one approach if at all suspicious, {ivhistle outside) 
Hush! what's that, {whistle repeated.) Quick! clear the cabin. Your 
voices were heard, and perhaps they're down on us already. Out 
with you quietly, by the back way, and make for the cave near Wat- 
son's Bluff. Quick! {knock on the door. Exit the gang.) Old woman 
you go to the door, {sits by the fire, pretending sleep. 

Mother. C. {goes to door, opens it a little.) Who's there .^ 

Wood, (outside.) Hurry up, open the door. 

Mother C. Una trembling voice.) I don't know you. We're 
afraid; me and my old man are scared of robbers. You can't come 
in here. 

Wood, {loudly.) Open the door I say, and be quick. Tell Dad- 
dy Carey Tm from the Captain. 

Carey, {coming to door.) And he told you to tell me — 

Wood. The moon is out to-night. 

Carey. It's all right, let him in, I hope the Captain is not tak- 
ing chances.^ (MOTHER CAREY opens door, WOODRUFF enters carry- 
ing Florence, he places her in chair.) 

Wood. I thought you'd never let me in. 

Mother C. What is this you've got.? A lady— who is she.? 

Wood. Never mind that now; give mc a drop of liquor to re- 
vive her. We've had a long hard ride, and she's not in the best of 
conditions. Hurry up, give me some whisky. 

Carey. I don't like the looks of this. My place is in rather 
bad repute now, and this job won't help matters. 

Wood. Well, I came here by the Captain's orders. He said 
bring her here, and here she is 

Carey. But what's to be done with her.? This is no place to 
keep a woman. 

Wood. Well, that's his affair. Put her in a good safe place; its 
only for to-morrow and then he takes her to a place that is being 
prepared for her. 

Carey. Well, its lucky I started the boys to the mountain. It 
won't do to have too many witnesses to a job like this. From her 
dress she's a lady, and there'll be a search the whole country round. 
Probably a big reward. The Captain is growing too bold, I've told 
him that women would be his downfall, and darn me if he hasn't 
started in that track already. (FLORENCE moans.) 

Wood. There, she is coming to, where can we put her.? 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 43 



Carey, {pointing l..) In there; we call it the guard room ,and 
sometimes lock some of the boys up if they get refractory. 

Mother C. Oh, don't put her in there; she's such a little wo- 
man, and she looks all tired out. 

Carey. There you go again with your whining. Don't be a 
tender-hearted fool; this is no job of ours, and the sooner its over 
the better. 

Wood. We had trouble enough. Perhaps the old woman can 
coax her better than we can. she's a plucky woman, and a little she- 
devil when aroused. Let us leave her with Mother Carey. 

Carey. Perhaps it's best. We'll go to the stables and see that 
your horse is put away. I'll lock the door on the outside, so there'll 
be no chance for her to escape — come. {Exit WOODRUFF, D. F., 
locking the door.) 

Mother Carey. (c7/>/'r<?rtf/««^ Florence.) Poor thing, I feel 
sorry for her; but it would be worth my life to try to help her. Here 
little lady, bear up, open your eyes and drink this. {Puts cup to her 
lips.) Ther's a goods little lad}'; yes, she's coming to — poor thing, 
she has fallen into hard hands. The Captain has no mercy and will 
bind her to his will, if he so chooses. {Steps to fire-place sits dotvn.) 

F'LOR. {sloivly revives and looks about her.) Where am I.'' What 
does all this mean.' Is this a horrible dream from which I will awa- 
ken.' Oh, it is too dreadful to be reality, {sees MOTHER C.) Speak 
to me; who and what are yc^u, and why am I here.' 

Mother C. (comes to her.) Re quiet, little girl, you're all right. 
Keep still and you'll be treated well, but if you scream or raise a row 
you are among people who will stop your voice in a way that won't 
be pleasant, {goes to door L. 2. E. unlocks it) 

F'LOR. What dreadful plot is this.' I seem to have been in a 
dream--oh I remember, now, those rnen in the woods tried to take 
the package, but it here, safe in my bosom; they have not taken it 
from me. I see it all; they have brought me here to rob, perhaps 
murder me. Merciful heaven, what shall I do, which way shall I 
turn.' {staggers to door, tries it.) It is locked— perhaps this way; oh, 
I must escape. {Meets MOTHER CAREY, who is returning.) 

Mother C. Don't hurry in there; you'll be in soon enough, and 
once in that room, it's a hard job to get out. 

Flor. Let me go. Please let me go. You must have some 
feeling in your heart for a weak defenceless woman. On my knees I 
beg that you will open that door and let me go. 

Mother C. Little one, I feel for you, but I am as helpless as 
yourself. You are in the power of a cruel villian who rules us all 
here with an iron hand. I cannot help you, but let me advise you, 



44 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

let me give you some nourishment, it will give you strength, and will 
fit you for a struggle in case you have a chance to escape. I would 
be your friend, for your sweet face and your suffering touches my 
heart; but I cannot help you, as God is my judge. 

Flor. But what is this place, where am I."* Who are the peo- 
ple who live here.-* 

Carey, (^heard outside.) Everything is all right, look out for 
the step. 

Mother C. Quick! they are returning; go in there and be as 
brave as you can. 1 will get you something to eat, and will help you 
if I can. 

Flor. I will trust you, God bless you for your words. 

{Exit D. L. 2 E. 
Re-enter WoOD and CarEY. 

Wood. Then you think the revenue officers have suspected 
this place.-* 

Carey. Nothing certain, but I believe in being a ware hawk. 
When strangers are about, keep close has been my motto, and if they 
get too inquisitive, there's alwa\'s a way to satisfy their curiosity. 

Wood. You mean by -- 

Carey. Never mind what I mean, you understand, don't give 
it words. 

Wood. You've such a tender way of speaking that you send 
cold chills down my back. Here, Mother Carey, give me a drink of 
the mountain dew to raise my spirits. 

Mother C. {getting liquor.) Don't mind him; he don't mean 
half he says. His heart's all right. 

Carey. You keep a quiet tongue in your head, or that will not 
be all right. Where's the girl.? 

Mother C. She's safe enough. Where no one can break in 
and steal her. 

Wood. Curse her, I wish some one would, This is a sort of 
job that I don't like. I never fought with a woman before, and this 
one has nearly been my match. {ivJiistle heard outside. All start.— 
Whistle repeated. Carey extinguishes light.) 

Carey. Hush!— don't move {knock at door.) 

Gardner, {outside.) The moon is out to-night. 

Wood. It's the captain's voice. 

Gardner, {outside.) Open the door; I am in great haste. 

Carey. {unfasteni?ig the door.) Come in, Captain, come in. 
Enter GARDNER. 



FAITHFUL KUIKXDS. 45 

Gardner. Quick! I haven't a moment to spare, {to WOOD.) 
So you're here all right; that'.s good. Did you have any trouble with 
her.? 

Wood. 'She fought like a wild cat, and only gave in when I 
gave her another dose of the chloroform. It did not hurt her though 
for she is as lively as ever, now. 

Gardner Where is she.? 

Carey. In that room. It is a secret prison I have for fractious 
members of our band. Unless you knew it was there, it would be a 
hard task to find it. 

Gardner, {to Wood.) Did you get the money from her.? {at 
the 2vord, "monc\'" MOTHER Carey, zvlio sits by the fire, looks up. 

Carey. So there's money in this job. Captain, I thought you 
weren't taking long odds for love alone; you're heart ain't so tender 
as all that. 

Gardner. It's love, revenge and money. Carey, and you needn't 
fear but that you shall have your share of the plunder. This plan 
was as hastily as daringly conceived. This woman has spurned my 
love, but her hatred has only made me the more determined to pos- 
sess her. 

Wood. But what is your plan.? 

Gardner. It is to instruct you regarding that, that I am here. 
After leaving you, I hastened home, was seen by everyone, to be 
able to prove an alibi. In the morning I rode over to Estabrook's, 
and was just in time to express my sympathy to my future father-in- 
law, and to show him my burning anxiety to find the darling of his 
heart. I undertook to lead one of the searching parties, and insisted 
on coming this way knowing this part of the country very well. I 
sent my followers on a wild goose chase, and come here to find how 
all had progressed. 

Wood. Well, now that she is here, what is next to be done.? 

Gardner. Give us onother drink. Mother Carey, and take your 
pay out of this, {throtus her a bill.) Well, the first thing is to get the 
money. This must be accomplished at once. Remember, Wood- 
ruff, that it it is to be yours, save a portion for our honest friend 
Daddy Carey. 

Carey. Yes, times are very hard, and it's all I can do to keep 
the wolf from the door. 

Wood. That's all right Daddy, the wolf that comes to your 
door would stand a good chance of getting the worst of it himself. 



a 



Gardner. Enough of this jesting. You, Woodruff, give her 
nother dose of that sleep producer and with Mother Carey's assist- 



46 KAITUKUL KR;K\Ds 

ance get the package from her. Then push on at once to Redcling's 
crossing on the river, go to the tavern, pay liberall)^ and they'll ask- 
no questions. Keep her under lock and key, and day after to-mor- 
row I'll join you and relieve you of your burden. After our honey- 
moon, I will return with her to her father's house, and implore his 
blessing, with all the fatted calf offerings on his side. 

Wood. All right; but one thing, I use no more choloroform on 
that girl. The last time I thought that I had killed her, and it made 
me feel pretty shaky. I'm a pretty tough citizen, but I draw the line 
at murder; and I believe that another dose of that stuff would rob 
you of your bride. 

Gardner. Well, arrange it among yourselves; I ipust be off, or 
some of my search party may come this wav. I will tell them that 
further search this way will be useless, and so will return and give 
you a free field. Good night, Dadd\' Care\', yni and Woodruff settle 
your money affairs. Good night, mother. 

Carey. I'd better go with \'ou to the ledge. Captain; the bo) s 
are on the lookout for service men. so be ready, and quick with the 
pass word. I'll see that you get out of iiere all right, {goes to door.) 

Wood. And I'll go with you. Damned if I feel comfortable in 
this place. {Exit, D. Y., first, GARDNER; then Carey, then Wood.) 

Mother C. (watching- them off.) What's that he said about 
money.' A package of money on the little lady — and I am to help 
take it from her. I get their cuffs, and kicks and hard words, for no 
one cares for an old useless creature like me. But when a woman's 
hand is needed, then they remember old Mother Carey. How that 
poor little lady looked into my old eyes, and spoke the first kind 
word I have heard for years. The first God's blessing since my poor 
daughter, just such another girl as she, was brought home to die. 
Her life had been a hard one, brought up as she was in an atmosphere 
of vice and crime, but her last words weae: "Mother, you couldn't 
help it — God bless you." Shall this pretty girl, the darling of anoth- 
er mother, be sacrificed to a fate worse than death, to the cruelty of 
an inhuman monster.'* No; not if I can help it, and I think I can. 
{goes to door. Little lady; little lady. 

Flor. I am here; what is it.-* 

Mother C. Be quiet. I fear they will return any minute; I 
will do my best to save you. Seem to submit to all they say; no 
harm will come to you. I have a plan that may prove successful, 
though I risk my life in attempting it 

Flor. Oh, don't do that old lady, don't bring harm upon your- 
self. I am young and a merciful providence will protect me, but you 
must not risk the vengeance of these men. 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 47 

Mother C. Rather than see another victim sacrificed as my 
poor daughter was, I'd face death itself. 

Flor. They mean to harm me, then.^ 

Mother C. They would rob you first, and then submit you to 
a living- tortuous death, but fear nothing- little one; do as I say, and if 
we do not escape, Old Mother Carey will die with you. 

Flor. Rut, what is \'our plan.' 

Mother C. You listen at this door, hear what I shall say to 
these villians and act the part that I would have you play. Do not 
lose courage but smile, though your heart be breaking. Remember 
what you have at stake; liberty, honor, yes, even life itself. (^Is she 
hears voices of men returning, she goes back to fireplace and begins to 
laj/gh iieartily, throxving apron over her head?) 

Enter WOODRUFF and CarEY. 

Wood. What is the matter with the aged party.' 

Carey, {coming down to left.) What's the matter, you old fool, 
you're making noise enough to alarm the whole neighborhood. 

Mother C. Oh, it's the queerest thing I ever heard of. 

Carey. And what is that.' 

Mother C. The way that lady is going on, in the strong room. 

Wood. What ails her now.' Is she tearing things to pieces.' 

Mother C. Tearing.' Why, she's been singing and laughing 
and seems as merry as a cricket. 

Wood. Can it be that her brain ha.s been turned. 

Carey. Have her out here and let's have a look at her. (MOTH- 
ER Carey goes toward the door?) 

Wood. But stop; first to arrange how to get the packet. 

Carey. Don't be foolish. Throw her down and take it from 
her. You're too squeamish about these women; wait till you've 
handled 'em like I have — eh! Mother. 

Mother C. Yes, indeed, daddy — yes indeed. 

Wood. Easier said than done. This is no ordinary girl. If 
ever there was a devil in a woman, it's in her. 

Mother C. {speaking loudly.) If you'd take the advice of an 
old woman what knows her own sex, you'd have no trouble. 

Carey. Shut up you old fool, you're growing crazy. 

Wood. Let her speak. What is it Mammy.' 

Mother C. Sugar will catch more flies than vinegar. She's in 
a good humor now; keep her in it. Ask her to come out here by the 
fire, and if she must be a prisoner, tell her to be a comfortable one. 
As she's so fond of singing in there, ma) hap she'd give us a song 



48 FAITHFUL FKIFXDS. 

out here. Ill mix some hotvvhisky, and in her glass I'll put a drop or 
two of the elegant mixture the doctor gave me to make me sleep. 
When once she's asleep what's easier than to take the money from 
her.-* Divide it among yourselves, wrap her up, put her in a carriage 
and before daylight you'll be at Redding's Crossing. 

Carey. Darn it. old woman, you've got some sense left. I did 
not give you the credit for it- but have her out at once. (FLORENCE 
sings in her room.) 

Wood Well, I've heard that women were strange critters, but 
this one beats me, I'm beginning to like the girl myself. Bring her 
out mammy. 

Mother C. {as she crosses.) All right, don't frighten her, be 
civil and we'll have the money in no time at all. {goes to door.) Come 
dearie, don't you want to come by the fire.'' 

Flor. {coming to door.) Indeed I do, it's cold and lonesome in 
there — the least you can do is to give me a little fire. 

Carey. That's the way to talk. I say mother, give her a drop 
of something to warm her up. Come sit down here gal, don't be 
scared. 

Flor. Scared, why bless you man I never was scared in my 
life,. Anxiety for others has made me weaken for an instant, but it 
never took me long to recover. 

Wood. Well you're a plucky woman. 
Flor. You think so.' 

Wood. I know so. I've positive proof. 

Flor. Oh, you're the party who is doing the kidnapping. Well, 
I don't bear malice, but I would like to know what you are going to 
do with me. 

Wood. I'm only acting as an agent, so I can't say. 

Carey. Never mind that, let's be sociable; and say, young wo- 
man, since you are so fond of singing to yourself, suppose you give 
us a song. I say mother, give us some good hot tipple. 

Wood, {goes to window.) I'll open this window, it's getting hot 
here. 

Mother C. Come deary, sing for the gentlemen. 

Flor. Certainly. {Music. Sings two verses of song, during 
song Mother Carey pours hot water from tea kettle into glasses, 
and puts sleeping draiight in glasses c/Carey ««d^ WOODRUFF.) 

Carey. Good, splendid, but that's a little too solemn, {dog 
barks outside^) What's that, some one coming.'' {Goes to window and 
says aside to MOTHER Carey.) Did you fix the glasses.' 

Mother C. Yes. {aside.) And I've fixed you. 



FAn"nFrLFRiP:Nns. 49 

Carey. Give us something lively now, young lady, and here's 
to your good health. 

Wood. My compliments, Miss. 

Flor. This seems a bit strange to be convivial with one's keep- 
ers, but I must be with you, so here's to the health of us all. {she 
drinks.^) Maybe this song would suit you better. {She sings two ver- 
ses — they ivatch her attentively — and then sink gradually into a deep 
sleep. Mother C. by the firepUice watches them. At the conclusion of 
song turns to old zvoman, ivho motions her to be quiet?) 

Mother C. {whispering to her.) Wait; here lie down in front 
of the fire, the noise of unbolting the doors might awaken them, you 
lie where they can see you if they awake, then I can give some e.x- 
cuse. 
Music. Florence lie's doii'n in front of Jire, cotters her face with 

handkerchief. Old woman goes stealthily up to door, opens it a 

little, then goes doivn stage. Frank pushes door open, goes to his 

mistress, pulls handkerchief from her face, she starts tip, sees 

him, he pulls her by the dress to door. 

Mother C. Be careful; be quiet, they may awake. 

Flor. Why, this is my dear old Tony that Frank has led to 
me. God bless you, Mother Carey, and my faithful friends. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT IV. 

Scene l. -Parlor in EstABROOK's mansion. Centre door, backed by 
hall, hat-rack etc. Piano R. I.E. Centre table, L. C. I. Elegant 
furnishings, bric-a-brac, and set to be made elaborate as possible. 
Music on rise of curtain. 

Enter MR. ESTABROOK, hastily. 

ESTA. Well, 1 think everything is ready now, if the surprise I 
have in store for my daughter shall be carried out as I have planned 
it. The events of the last forty-eight hours have nearl) unnerved 
me, but the necessity for bearing up under our troubles gave me the 
courage to fight it to the end. 

Enter DiNAH, C. D. 

Dinah. Efyo' please, Massa Estabrook, Mistah Sho't is m de 
hall and wishes to speak to yo'. 

ESTA. Show him in at once. {Exit DiNAH.j I will soon know 
if our plan has succeeded. Short has been indeed a trusty and faith- 
ful friend; without him I should have been indeed helpless in my 
hour of suffering. 



60 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

Enter Short, c. d. 

ESTA. Ah! my good friend, I am delighted to see you back. 
But tell me what news? 

Short Great and glorious news, Mr. Estabrook. Fortune has 
smiled upon us in every way. I have a great surprise in store for 
you. 

ESTA. Indeed. {Aside,) I will not tell him my good news. 
(Aloud.) But what is it. Short.' I am all impatient to hear it. 

Short. Now, don't hurr\^ me. If there is anything that a Nor- 
thern man objects to, after he has been in the south more than a 
month, it is to be hurried. The Southerner is slew naturally, but 
the acquired habit of indolence can only be likened to the non-pro- 
gressive but ever cheerful snail. 

Esta. But tell me the result of your mission. 

Short. I will; but give me time. I must begin at the very be- 
ginning. You remember, after our return from the unsuccessful 
hunt for Miss Florence, that your insisted that your misfortune had 
fallen upon you because you had sold little Manda in spite of the 
earnest entreaties of your daughter. Ruling me out of the search, 
which you proposad putting in the hands of a professional, and not 
an amateur detective, as you called me, you asked me to try to re- 
cover the little child. I thereupon took the next packet for New 
Orleans, where we supposed the child would be found. 

Esta. Yes but you have not had the time to make that journey. 

Short. As I said before, fortune was with us, for we had not 
been six hours on the river when the pilot saw the Muscatine, the 
boat that left Roscoe Landing night before last with your niggers on 
board, stuck hard and fast in a sand bar. It seems that two boats 
left Roscoe landing at the same time, and that there was a rivalry be- 
tween them. A most exciting race commenced directly when they 
started down the river. It was an even contest, and the Muscatine 
had all she could do to hold her own. Her pilot had sworn she 
would land first at Bayou Marie, but the chances seemed against her. 
The pilot, who thought his reputation at stake, determined on a bold 
stroke; so he ventured into a channel that he thought was known 
only to himself, by which he could cut off a half a mile. He had 
not taken into account the change in the current, and the first thing 
he knew the boat was hard and fast on the bar. 

Esta. And she stuck there.? 

Short. Yes; the rival boat refused assistance, and sailed by at 
full speed, amid the triumphant cries of passengers and crew. The 
boat I was on was the next to pass, and when I saw the signal of dis- 
tress and recognized the boat, I knew that my journey was near its 
end. I found the speculator who had the children in charge, and he 



FAITHFUL FRIKNDS. 51 

was more than glad to sell Manda at half the figure she brought at 
the sale. 

ESTA. Then Gardner's purchase of her- 

Short. Was only to gratify his desire to thwart Miss Florence 
in the purchase; strange conduct for a lover, or one who professed to 
care for her. 

ESTA. There is something inexplicable about that man. His 
plantation is small, and its products meagre, yet he lives in a style 
far beyond our wealthy planters. He must have some other source 
of income. 

Short. I dislike to speak about a man behind his back, but 
there's no good in that man, and you'll some day find it out. 

ESTA. I hope not, although I would not wish him for a son-in- 
law. He is our near neighbor, and his interest in Florence, and his 
anxiety to find her rather softened me toward him. 

Short. I hope it may be as you say, but Miss Florence, what 
of her.? 

ESTA. Here is one who cati answer that question better than I. 
{Music) 

Enter FLORENCE. 

Short, {astonished.) Miss Florence here.? 

Flor. Indeed yes, Mr. Short, you look at me as though I was 
something supernatural. 

Short. Well, I confess that you seem to have returned from 
the grave. 

Flor. Do I look as sepulchral as that.? Well then, m\- looks 
belie my feelings, for I never was quite as happy in my life. 

Short. But where were you.? What were you doing, who 
stole you, when- .? 

Flor. Talk of woman's curiosity, I could not answer all these 
questions at once; you shall know all in good time, but why were you 
not here to receive me.? Mr Short you are ungallant. 

Short. It was not my fault Miss Florence, I was executing a 
commission for your father. 

ESTA. {motioning to keep silent.) Ahem! 

Short, (confused.) That is I thought I would. Well, I just 
took a trip down the river, I wasn't feeling well and I thought a 
change of air — 

Flor. Mr. Short, I knew men were born to deceive, but de- 
ception sits badly upon your shoulders, and you, my dear old papa, 
have some secret for me. 

ESTA. Secret my dear, not at all; very absurd, ha! ha! 



52 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

Short. Yes indeed, very absurd, ha! ha! 

Flor. And I say you're both very absurd, ha, ha, to try to 
keep it from me. Now there's a good Mr. Short {coaxingly^) and 
there's a good papa, won't you tell mc all about it. 

ESTA. I never did see such a girl to wheedle an old man. 

Short. Or a young man either, but I like it. 

ESTA. I suppose we had better tell her. 

Short. If she will say nothing about it at present. 

Flor. Oh, I'll promise. 

EsTA. Then come with us, and we'll show you. but don't 
breathe a word about it. 

Flor. Not a word. 

Esta. Then come with me. {they go well up to side door.) I 
never did see such a girl, to coax and have her own way. 

Flor. And you like it. {Exit zoith E.STABROOK. 

Short. Oh, the way she said, "there's a good Mr. Short." By 
all that's lovely, I will marry that girl, if I have to steal her myself. 

{Exit hastily 
Enter Rastus, dressed up. 

RasTUS. As dey say in de scripter, de prodigal son am return- 
ed, and deys fixed me up fer de fatted calf, but how's de calf gwine 
git fat 'less he git somfin' ter eat.-* Dere's done bin so mucii jol'fer- 
cation 'round dis'yer place dat dey fo'git dis nigger got 'sorbin' appe- 
tite. I'se so hungry dat my stumick 'spects my froat is cut; and 
ebery time I tell Dinah I'se hungry she say, go 'way. nigger, ain't yo' 
'shamed so be hungry sich a time as dis'j'er.^ I ain't had nuffin' ter 
eat but a crab apple since mawnin', and I ain't got no mo' struggle 
in me dan a mouse. 

Enter DiNAH, R. 2. E. 
Look heah, Aunt, when yo' gwine give me my breakfus'.^ 

Dinah. Dar yo' go 'gin. In dis time ob 'citement, when we's 
all try in' to prepare fo' de missy's welcome, yo' do nuffin' but talk 
'bout breakfus' 

Rastus. Brea'Kfus'; dere's only one word w'at I know, dat souns 
bettah dan breakfus', and dat's dinner. 

Dinah. Well, we'll hab breakfus', dinner and supper altogeder 
after a w'ile. Yo' stir 'round and help us wid de preparations fo' de 
visitors, and if yo' is too lazy fo' dat, yo' go down to de stables and 
feed de mules. 

Rastus. Dar it goes 'gin. Feed de mules; 'deed I did feed de 
mules, and it made me cry w'en I seed 'em eatin' to t'ink dat a foah- 
legged jackass wus bettah treated dan a two-legged nigger. Wish 1 
wus a jackass, 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 63 

Dinah. Well, I done gib yo' warnin' dat ef massa heahs yo' 
groanin' 'round like dat, he'll skin yo' black hide. Now go down to 
de kitchin and help me and Jeff wid de supper. 

RaSTUS. Golly! dats a word I done fo'git all about. Breakfus' 
and dinner is all right in dere way, but gib me supper, good supper. 
I'll be wid yo' Aunt Dinah. {Exit, R. I. E. 

Dinah. Dat boy '11 neber come to no good. I neber did see 
sech o'nery nigger; allers eatin' and sleepin'; dere nevah was sech a 
lazy nigger in de worl'. VVhar's dat ol' man o'o mine.'' He's jess 
'bout as bad. He's neber de same man sencc dey took away little 
Manda; he 'pears to be grievin' mo' and mo' as de days pass by. Jeff! 
{goes to dooj\) Whar is \'o' Jeff .-* 

Enter Jeff. 

Jeff. Heah I is. Dinah. 

Dinah, Wat yo' gwine 'round wid sech a glum face fo' w'en 
dey's all haiopy kaze de little missy has come home.'' 

Jeff. I kaint help it, Dinah. It makes me t'ink de mo' ob our 
little Manda. I know yo' feel as bad as I do, but you're tr\-in' to 
cheer me up. It seems as ef I'd gib my life to see dat little gal agin. 

Enter FLORENCE, C. D. 

Flor. What was that you said, Uncle Jeff.' 

Jeff. Nuffin', missy. I wan't complainin', missy, 'deed I wan't. 

Flor. I know you was not complaining, but what would you 
say if I were to tell you that you would see your Manda again. -^ 

Dinah. See Manda! Oh, missy, say it agin. 

Jeff. What would I say, missy.' W'y I would bress de Lord, 
and t'ank him ebery day fo' his goodness, and I'd pray fo' yo' Missy 
Flo'ence; you'se alwus been de good angel to us poo' folks. But, tell 
us missy, is our little one comin' back.' 

Flor. Indeed she is; she is here already, see- {goes to C. D., 
brings down Manda, who rushes to DiNAH ^^«c/ JefF.) 

Jeff. God bress de lamb and God brese yo', Missy Flo'ence; de 
Lord has done answer my pra'rs, an' brought dis little one back safe 
home to us. 

Flor. But now you must haste and and prepare for our visit- 
ors. Papa has invited them to celebrate my safe return, and we 
want none but happy faces around us. Dinah, take Manda down to 
the kitchen, and Uncle Jeff, you must have your banjo ready, for we 
want you to amuse us. 

Jeff. 'Deed I will, missy; dere's not a happier man in all dis 
worl' dan I am, and de bes' de ol' banjo can do will be done dis night. 
Come, Manda. De Lord bress de little missy. {Exit R. 2. E. 



54 FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

Dinah. De ol' man is so powerful glad dat he doan gib me a 
chance to t'ank yo', Missy Flo'encc. May yo' life be as happy as yo' 
hab made us poo' colla'd folks, {kissing the haud of Yl.O^'E^C^.) 

{Exit, R. 2. E. 

FloR. How happy they are to get back their child. I can now 
realize the anguish of my own parents while my fate was still in 
doubt. It all seems like a terrible dream; the struggle on the road, 
and the imprisonment in that horrible place. I shall never forget 
the agony of that night. That poor old woman; she was indeed my 
friend. She said she would leave the den that night, and come to 
me; I will see that her life is made as comfortable as possible in re- 
turn for the good service she rendered me. 

Enter SHORT, speaking up stage. 

Short, {aside.) Ah. there she is, and alone. This is my only 
chance, but I feel as bashful as a school-boy. {aloud.) Ah, Miss 
Florence, did ) ou execute your part of our plan.-* 

Flor. Yes, Mr. Short, and the parents are overjoyed. I sup- 
pose they are weeping afresh over their baby, and when I saw the 
happiness of those poor people in the recovery of their child, I reali- 
zed what my father and mother must have endured in my sbsence. 

Short. You will never know the depth of our misery. Miss 
Florence. You will not think me presumptions, I hope, when I say 
our miserj^ for every hour you was gone seemed to me a day, and 
when I saw your sweet face again, it was as if the sun had burst from 
behind the clouds and illumined the earth again. 

Flor. Why, Mr. Short, you are quite poetical, but I must grant 
you some licence. My hope was in you while I was a prisoner, but 
my detective failed me. 

Short. I confess it; but the end has not yet come. Our prin- 
cipal movement you happily anticipated by galloping home with 
your faithful horse and dog, but now I propose to find the miscreants 
who committed the dastardly outrage and bring them to justice. 

Flor. Have you a clue.'' 

Short. Only a slight one, yet it may become a hint or sugges- 
tion for a line of circumstantial evidence. 

Flor And it is—.? 

Short. Only a handkerchief, but of peculiar pattern and near- 
ly covered with blood. I found it quite a distance on this side of 
Johnston's Glen, and kept it for future use. It may lead to the cap- 
ture and punishment of the criminals. 

Flor. I hope you will succeed, but I am too happy to think or 
talk of vengeance now. 

Short. And I am so happy to have you back that I hardly 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 56 

know whether I am standing on my head or heels. 

Flor. My father has told me how active you were in the search 
for me, and what warm friends you and he have grown to be in the 
past two weeks. I am deeply grateful, Mr. Short. 

Short. But I did nothing, Miss Florence. If I only could have 
followed the trail and rescued you from the moonshiner's den, I 
would have been the happiest mortal on the earth. 

Flor. Happy to have gratified your ambition to shine as a de- 
tective, I suppose.-* 

Short. No, happy to have been of service to you, and to have 
contributed to your happiness by any means in my power. 

Flor. Thank you, Mr. Short. I appreciate your feeling and 
have always held you in the highest esteem. Believe me, 1 fully 
share my father's opinion of you. You are quite a hero in his eyes. 

Short. I would that 1 appeared so in yours. 

Flor. Why, Mr. Short, I believe you are growing serious. 

Short. More serious than I have ever been in my life before. 
I am — well, to make a clean breast of it — I'm in love. 

Flor. In love.^ Why, Mr. Short, I thought you were only de- 
voted to your different professions. 

Short. Now, Miss Florence, don't laugh at me. I know it is 
presumptions in me to press my suit on short acquaintance. I have 
broached the subject to your father, he has not discouraged me. I 
dare to ask you it you will give me hope. 

Flor. You remember the old saying, while there's life there's 
hope. 

Short. Then I may — .' 

Flor. You ma\- 

Short, {embracing her.) Oh, Florence, you have made me the 
happiest man in the word. 

Enter RaSTUS, C. D. 

Rastus. Ahem! Achos! Oh, golly! I didn't see nuffin' — I'se 
foolish, I is. 

Flor. {startled and flushed.) Rastus, What are you doing here.' 

Rastus, I jes" doin' nuffin'. 

Short. You should have bells on your feet, Rastus, so that 
people can hear you coming. 

Rastus. Golly, he takes me fer a goat. I wus jes' gwine to tell 
yo' dat massa say dat de folks is a comin'. 

Short. You are a little late with your information, for here 
thev are. 



^Q FAITHFUL FKIKXDS. 

Flor. Who, Rastus? 

Rastus. Mistah Gardner and 'nudder strange gemman. 

Short. Well, we don't want to see them just yet, so Miss Flor- 
ence, let us slip into the next room. There's something about that 
man that I don't like. 

Flor. And I hate him. {Exil witli SHORT, R. 2. E. 

Rastus. iinitating both.) 'N I jus consoquechally dispise him. 
Enter GARDNER and WOODRQFF. clean shaven and nicely dressed. 

Gardner. I say, Rastus, help me with my coat and then an- 
nounce us to your master, {servant hangs coat on rack back of Q. D. 

Rastus. Who'll I say is wid yo" Mistah Gardner.^ 

Gardner. Say a friend and be quick about it. Do you hear.'' 

Rastus. Yes sah, I heah; I'se un'standin' cf I is foolish. {Exit- 

Gardner. Well, you made a pretty mess of that matter. Three 
of you to one woman, and yet she outwitted you, and robbed me of 
rny revenge. 

Wood. But, what is your purpose in coming here.' I cannot 
understand. 

Gardner. We have lost the money, but I have not finished with 
her yet. It would look suspicious to remain away on an occasion of 
this kind, so I have come to extend my congratulations, and to in- 
troduce you as a friend who has just arrived from the North. You 
could nowhere be safer than here, and we must find some way to 
carry out my plans; for that girl I must and will have. 

Wood. Take my advice and give it up. You have lost the 
confidence of the gang by last night's wor'K. Daddy Carey and his 
chickens, as he calls them, have taken to the mountain, fearing ar- 
rest. 

GareneR So much the better. If a search is instituted they 
will find the house empty. But what became of tlie i)ld lady.-* 

Wood. When we had awakened from our stupor she had dis- 
appeared. It was all her fault, for she drugged our glasses instead 
of the girl's. She knew that the job was worth her life, so she's got- 
ten out of the way. 

Gardner. No more of this. Here comes Mr. Estabrook. 
Enter ESTABROOK. 

ESTA. I am pleased to see you, Mr. Gardner. You are a wel- 
come guest at our little celebration. 

Gardner. Allow me to introduce Mr. Woodruff, of Louisville, 
Ky. He is my guest, and I took the liberty of bringing him with me. 

ESTA. Any friend of Mr. Gardner's is heartily welcome. When 
did you arrive, Mr. Woodruff.'' 



FAITHFUL FRfENDS. 57 

Wood. Last night. 

Gardner. Yes, and I have just been explaining to him the sig- 
nificance of this little gathering. Believe me, Mr. Estabrook, I never 
heard of such an occurrence. To think that such an outrage should 
be perpetrated in our vicinity is almost incredible. 

ESTA. But true nevertheless. And here comes the heroine of 
the adventure. 

Enter FLORENCE R. 2. E., ivith SHORT. 

Gardner. Miss Florence, I come to congratulate you on your 
plucky escape from your abductors and safe return to your home. 

Flor. (coldly.) Thank you, sir. {crosses stage.) 

Short, {aside.) Cool and bracing. 

Esta. {bringing WOODRUFF forzvard.) Florence, this is Mr. 
Woodruff of Louisville, a friend of Mr. Gardner. 

Flor. I am pleased to know you, sir. 

Wood. I am charmed to meet so courageous a lady as the he- 
roine of the story Mr. Gardner has been telling me. 

Flor. Have we ever met before.'' 

Wood. I think not; why do you ask.^ 

Flor. Oh, nothing; probably a mere fancy. Your voice seems 
strangely familiar. 

Gardner, {aside.) Can she suspect.'' No, impossible! 

ESTA. Florence dear, I have promised your friends that they 
shall hear of your adventure from your own lips. 

Flor. With pleasure; but we have first a little musicale, after 
which I shall be pleased to tell my wonderful adventures. 
£"«/£'r Mrs. Estabrook, z^/^/V^ri-, (fr.:. Specialties by Jeff, Short 

and RaSTUS. 

Gardner. And now, Miss Florence, we are anxious to hear 
all about your strange adventure. 

ESTA. Yes, Florence, even your mother and I have not heard 
all the particulars. 

Short. Please give us the full details, Miss Florence. You 
know I must redeem my failure to find you, by bringing your ab- 
ductors to justice. I have already been sworn in as a deputy and arn 
empowered to make arrests. 

Gardner. Oh, then you are to be the detective in this case 
Mr. Short. I hope you arc well supplied with clues.^ 

Flor. Mr. Short has not much in the way of evidence, but I 
think he is on the right track. Before I begin, however, I must have 
the real hero to substantiate my story. Rastus, will you bring Frank 
to me.' 



58 FAITHFUL FRIKNDS. 

Rastus. Yes, Missy. I'll hab 'im heah bery soon. {Exit R. 2 E. 
Wood, {aside to GARDNER.) Do you think they suspect.^ 
GareNER Nonsense. Our very presence here would save us 
from suspicion. 

ESTA. To think that the dog shonld have been the means of 
bringing back my daughter to me. 

Flor. You see, Mr. Gardner, it is well to have the friendship 
of a dog; even the one you thought deserving of nothing but blows, 
a few days ago. 

Gardner. I trust you do not bear malice on that score. I see 
my error, and will cheerfully beg pardon of the noble animal, {aside.) 
Curse the dog, I would like to poison him! 

Enter Frank, folloived by RasTUS. 

Rastus. Dar he is, missy, an' mighty proud to see yo'. sho 'nuff. 

Flor. {caressing him^) Dear old faithful friend, you shall come 
and kiss your mistress, {patting him.) Now be a good dog. Come, 
Mr. Gardner, and make your peace with him. 

Gardner, iapproachitig. Frank growls. Taking handkerchief 
from his pocket and rubbing his hand.) He evidently is not fond of 
me, but I trust he will learn to like me. 

Short. Pardon my Yankee curiosity, Mr. Gardner; I have been 
admiring that little handkerchief. May I see it.' 

Gardner. Certainly. It is of a peculiar pattern. A dozen of 
them were sent me by a friend in Paris — but come. Miss Florence, 
you are forgetting the story, 

Flor. {sitting R. C. — dog lying at her feet.) Well, to begin; as 
3'ou have doubtless heard, my father had a package of money and se- 
curities that he was desirous of sending to New Orleans. The boat 
left Roscoe Landing at nine o'clock of the evening of the sale, and 
he delayed sending it until it was almost too late. I, anxious to 
show him that I was repentant for opposing his will, regarding the 
child, Manda — 

Gardner. Who is now in New Orleans, happy and forgetful of 
her parents and home. 

Flor. You are mistaken. Manda is here, happy and rejoicing 
with her parents. 

Gardner, {aside.) Thwarted even in that. 

Flor. The night was dark and I was timid at first, but with my 
noble Tony and faithful Frank as companions, I felt that I had little 
to fear. Tony seemed to know that we had been entrusted with an 
important mission, for never did he cover the ground so quickly; we 
flew like the wind. Near the rocky pass before reaching Johnston's 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 59 

Glen he was obliged to slacken his pace and pick his way more care- 
fully, when suddenly a figure arose from the darkness, seized the bri- 
dle, and demanded that I should stop. Robbery was the object, for 
the man asked the surrender of the package. I would rather have 
given my life than to have given it up. After I had been torn from 
my horse I offered my jewels for my release, but an accomplice of the 
villain took my medallion and put it in his pocket. (Ai these words 
Frank goes 7{p stage to coat.) Why, Frank are you deserting me.'' 
Come here, old fellow. 

Gardner, {aside.) What can the dog be doing.-* 

Flor. Ah. that is one of his old tricks. He heard me speak of 
pockets, and you know what a skillful pick-pocket he is. See, he is 
taking something from the pocket. Bring it here old fellow, {takes 
paper.) Why, it is a piece of paper with something inside. May I 
open it.'' 

Gardner. Certainly — it's only an old envelope. 

Flor. Why it's — father, Mr. Short- everybody — see here is the 
medallion that was stolen from me at Johnston's Glen — and there 
stands the robber! 

All. Gardner!! 

Gardner. What is the meaning of all this — you surely would 
not accuse me of such a crime.'* 

Short. That's just what we do, Mr. Gardner. The dog has 
proven the first point. I will prove the second. 

Gardner. You! 

Short. Yes, me. This handkerchief that you just gave me is 
a mate to this one, {pulling out handkerchief.) stained with blood, 
and found near the old hut where you tied the dog. 

Gardner. Ridiculous. 

Short. You think so.'* Then where did you get that scar on 
your hand.-* 

Gardner. That — why, that's a scratch from the brush. 

Short. You lie! It is the mark of a bite from this dog. 

Gardner. Absurd. You are making a most unjust and terri- 
ble accusation. You say the object of the abduction was robbery; 
you must confess I knew nothing of the money, or this woman's jour- 
ney to Roscoe. I wasn't near this place on that night. 

RasTUS. Yes yo' wus, Mistah Gardner, fer I seed yo' w'en I 
went fer Missy's hoss dat night. I seed yo' jump frum de window 
an' git on yo'r hoss at de stables. 

Short, The evidence is strong enough to warrant an arrest. 
Mr. Gardner, you are my prisoner. Rastus, get a couple of men to 



go FAITHFUL FRlKNJiS. 

take charge of this man until we can take him to Roscoe. {Enter 
slaves — inen hold GARDNER.) 

Wood. {Aside)- It's time for me to be off. {Aloud.) Mr. Esta- 
brook I regret this. I had no idea of my friend's complicity in this 
affair; my presence here must be unwelcome, so I will go. 

FlOR. Not yet. 

Wood. And whj% Miss Estabrook. 

FlOR. I told you your voice was familiar, and now I recall the 
time we met. You are the man who carried me to Carey's den. 

Wood. I.'' You mistake me. I only arrived last night, and 
who can verify your suspicion.''. 

Enter MOTHER Carey, C. D. 

Mother C. I can. I know you in spite of your shaven face and 
your good clothes. You are Frank W^oodruff, and that is the Cap- 
tain of the band of moonshiners whose headquarters were at Carey's 
den, 

FlOR. Mother Carey! You here.^ 

Mother C. Yes, dear child. I knew it was certain death to re- 
main in that den any longer, so I followed you on foot. I hid in the 
woods by day and walked at night, until I found your bouse, know- 
you would protect me. 

Flor. Indeed I will, and this shall be your home the rest of 
your days. This dear old woman, father, saved me from a living 
death. 

EsTA. You are indeed welcome, my good woman. 

Short. Rastus, a couple attendants for this gentleman. 

RaSTUS. Heah dey is, Massa Sho't — w'at will we do wid him an' 
todder feller.'' 

Short. Take them to the stable and bind them; we will soon 
have them safely lodged in Roscoe jail. 

Rastus. Come 'long, Mistah Gardner and todder feller, we'll 
put yo's in a place whar yo's won't break yo's necks by fallin' out ob 
de winders. {Exit WOODRUFF, C. D., with guard. 

Gardner. The game is up, but I have ruined you, you old aris- 
tocrat. Your name is dishonored. I have at least that revenge. 

{Exit, led off by guard. 

Rastus. I neber did like dat man, but I'se foolish. Exit. 

ESTA. He is right, I am dishonored; but I can still make good 
my indebtedness. 

Short. Excuse me, Mr. Estabrook, here is a letter I brought 
from Roscoe. {hands letter.) Pardon my forgetting it in the excite- 
ment, until now. 



FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 6 1 

ESTA. (^looking over letter.) Good news again. Stocks have ta- 
ken another turn, and my obligations were met by the brokers out of 
the proceeds. Mr. Short, you have proved yourself a friend, in all 
this period of gloom and uncertainty. How can I reward you.-* 

Short. With this young lady's hand. She has already given 
me hope. 

Flor. And with papa's consent, here it is, with my heart in it 
ESTA. Take her. Short. -She will prove tlie best of wives, as I 

know you will make her an excellent husband. 

Flor. But in our happiness we must not forget those who 

have so largely contributed to it — Mother Carey, dear old Toney 

and Frank— Our FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 

CURTAIN. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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